Position Papers

Position Papers (also referred to as Policy Papers) are essentially research papers each delegate writes before the conference.

Papers are graded by Dais members.

Delegates should note

  • No prewritten resolutions are allowed at conference
  • Position papers may be used during moderated caucuses and Speakers’ List if delegates wish to use them as references while speaking
  • Double delegation allows one delegate to read while another answers questions after the speaking time
  • Position papers submitted after the deadline will be graded but not considered for a committee Position Paper Award
  • Position papers may be submitted before the deadline
  • Delegates must write papers from the viewpoint of their specific countries

Organizing your Position Paper

  • Header includes Committee, Country, Topic, School, and Delegates Name.
  • First Paragraph includes an explanation and background information.
  • Second Paragraph includes a short summary of recent international action related to the question and a statement of the country’s position on the issue.
  • Third Paragraph includes a specific suggestion for a solution to the issue.
  • High School Delegates must reference to at least three key documents relating to the issue (Cited in MLA format). Middle School Delegates are encouraged to include citation but not required in the grading process.
  • Policy Paper is 1 page long, single spaced in 12 pt. font in Times New Roman, followed by a Works Cited page on the following page (Works Cited page not required by Middle School delegates)
  • Policy Paper is in .doc (Microsoft Word), .Pdf, or .rtf format.

Grading Rubric

  • Attention to Detail: Delegate followed directions and included everything that was asked of them. The paper is written from the point of view of the country and includes creative solutions to the problem at hand.
  • Strong Mechanics: Delegate demonstrates strong writing skills (Spelling, Grammar, Language, etc.).
  • Strong Argument: Delegate supported his argument professionally and effectively.
  • As always, any plagiarized paper will be brought to the attention of the sponsor. Those papers will not be graded.

 

Teacher resource for writing teaching students to write position papers: Position Paper Introduction

SAMPLE POSITION PAPER

COMMITTEE: GA Plenary

COUNTRY: The Republic of Congo

TOPIC: The Protection of Children’s Rights

SCHOOL: School Name

NAMES: Delegates Name

The violation of children’s rights is a severe issue that occurs throughout the world. Numerous children are forced into extreme labor, slavery, and armed conflict because of the lack of education and an unstable environment. Congo has suffered this issue for decades because of the lack of education and poverty throughout the nation. Many children are forced to live in the streets as beggers’ and street venders because of the lack of a proper education. Poverty has also pushed children into extreme labor, slavery, and into the military. Human trafficking has been a major problem in Congo and unfortunately children are the most vulnerable targets. Many children around the age of 8 to 10 have been forced into slavery and war because they are “easy targets” and are very dependent as well as innocent. These children are beaten, tortured, and killed against their own will for no particular reason. 120,000 children participate each year in the armed forces and are used as soldiers, spies, and shields. Unfortunately, this is not just a conflict Congo faces, but most of Africa and the world. As Nations, we must come together and end this catastrophe against human rights.

Congo believes that the violation of children’s rights is a serious issue that needs an immediate solution. All nations must agree that this problem is unethical and a clear violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. Also, each nation must accept the 1959 United Nations Declaration on the rights of the Child, which provides freedom, protection and equal opportunities to all children in the world. Congo believes that all nations should protect children against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation as directed by Principle 9 of the Declaration. Congo also supports UNICEF and the Convention of the rights of Children (CRC) on helping children everywhere and establishing protection for children under The age of 18. Congo has also joined the African charter on the rights and welfare of the child to provide support and protection to children in Africa. Congo has been fighting against child abuse and misfortunes by providing free education to children ages 6-16. Congo has also provided Financial Aid and Higher Education opportunities to students to improve development in our nation. Congo’s literacy rate has increased and poverty has decreased however the problem arises. If this issue continues to be unattended, then the future of the world will be in chaos.

The main cause of child mistreatment is the lack of education and poverty of each nation. Congo suggests that each nation provides a law that will work in reducing the unemployment rate and create a minimum wage for each job. This will help Parents earn a job to support their families and reduce the poverty levels globally. Secondly, Congo suggests that all nations provide free education to children and make it mandatory to attend school. This will increase their knowledge and their success in the future while keeping them away from a bad lifestyle. Also, Congo request that all nations create a law that prohibits the participation of underage kids in the military until they are 18. Finally, Congo suggests that a law be put in place to punish any individual who violates Children Rights. Congo looks forward to the end of this problem and hopes for a better and brighter future for kids globally.