Guide to Writing a Policy Paper

 

The structuring of the Policy Papers is intended to elicit responses from the delegates that provide a clear picture of a nation’s stance on a particular topic area.  The Policy statement is a brief, yet comprehensive essay on each issue that will be debated in the MUN conference.  It should be about one page in length (for each issue) and in paragraph form.  The Policy Statement serves as a formal reminder and an exercise in putting into words what the policy of your country is toward a particular issue.  This paper will force you to think about the issues and about policy.  The paper should reflect the views of the nation you represent.  It is based on research and knowledge of policy.  (Note:  There is no need for perambulatory or operative clauses.)

 

 

Purpose:

  1. allows you the opportunity to think the policy out more thoroughly;
  2. serves your delegation to have a document which contains your country’s policy on all issues at the MUN conference so that there will be consistency in policy among the various members of the delegation
  3. acts as the outline for the draft resolution

 

 

Components of a Policy Paper

  1. State and define the problem.  This could be an explanation and examination of the question and its general significance and importance to the world.  Give some examples of recent events that have occurred/are ongoing around the world.  Also, there should be definitions of the issue and any key terms that a delegate would be expected to know to represent the issue well. 
  2. A background summary of recent international events related to action on the question/issue.  These do not have to be necessary UN-related actions.  Support what you write with facts.
  3. Reference to key documents and conferences relating to the issue.  These should be underlined or boldface type.  Find UN resolutions on the problem and determine what the UN is doing to solve the issue.  State what the UN has done to solve the problem.  For example, if the issue if “women’s rights”, then the Beijing Conference should be mentioned.  If it is “population”, then the Cairo conference should be referenced.
  4. A general statement of your country’s position on the issue.  Include specific suggestions for a solution(s) to the question/issue which may provide ideas and sever as an outline for the clauses of a draft resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested Questions to ask yourself – Issues & Country Positions

 

Issues/concerns:

  1. Explain what the topic means (any specific terms that need to be explained or defined).
  2. When did the problem begin?
  3. Chronological development of the problem.
  4. When did the United Nations first become involved?  How?
  5. Has the United Nations made any progress on the situation?  Include and refer to any resolutions, treaties or amendments in your findings.
  6. which countries are actively involved in trying to solve this problem?
  7. How much money has been spent trying to solve this problem?

 

Country concerns:

  1. Who are your allies concerning this problem (block partners)?
  2. What are your national goals concerning the problem?
  3. In what specific ways is your nation prepared to help?
  4. How are you currently involved in the situation?  Why would it be in your best interest to see an end to the problem?  Think about all ramifications, relations with allies, both economic and military.
  5. What specific suggestions do you have for the solution to this problem? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example of a Policy Paper

 

COMMISSION:  Human Rights

DELEGATION:  Mauritius

DELEGATE:  Michelle Wright

 

THE IMPACT OF ARMED CONFLICT ON CHILDREN’S RIGHTS  

 

In the past decades alone, two million children have died as the direct result of war, and many times that number have been displaced from their homes.  All children are at risk in times of war and depravation.  They Are affected directly – through death, injury, and psychological trauma caused by the conflict itself – and indirectly – through displacement, reduced nutrition, unhealthy conditions, and disrupted heath services.  As one of the nations that have exceeded to the convention on the rights of the child, the Republic of Mauritius firmly supports the enforcement of international humanitarian laws, such as the Geneva Convention, to protect the rights of children across the globe. 

The majority of the goals set at the 1990 World Summit for Children, according to Secretary General Kofi Anan, have been met in most countries.  In all parts of the world, however, there are still difficult conditions that children face everyday.  We much draw attention to the many situations that are antithetical to the effort of protecting children, such as armed conflict, commission on Human Right Resolution 1995/79.  We urge all states to “sign and ratify or accede to the convention as a matter of priority, with a view to reaching adherence.” 

As a nation that has existed harmoniously and has not experienced the horrors of children in armed conflict, Mauritius nevertheless continues to implement programs and national laws based on various conventions and treaties.  The Republic of Mauritius has ratified ILO Convention No. 130 on the minimum age for admission to employment and implemented the Child Protecting Act, which affords protection against abuse, neglect, and ill-treatment, and provides for heavy sanctions against those who abuse children.  Even with a literacy rate of over 95%, our government is determined to improve the quality of the education system to combat underachievement.  Children who do not go to higher education are taken in hand by the Industrial and Vocational Training Board, which steers them toward technical careers.  Mauritian society has the advantage of being a pluricultural one, where the world heritage is at work to produce a symbiosis of culture.  The cultural policy of the government is to promote the cultural identities of the whole population so as to foster their self-advancement and simulate their creativity.  The republic of Mauritius calls upon all states to effectively reduce the number of victims of landmines, to maintain the highest possible health standards, and facilitate rehabilitation and reconstruction to ensure the rights of children.