GENERAL BEHAVIOUR
Although THIMUN The Hague is an educational exercise intended for young people, delegates are simulating the Councils of the United Nations. Thus, for the period of the conference, they must be regarded as diplomats and ambassadors for the country they are representing, as well as representatives of their individual schools. This demands a high standard of personal conduct and behaviour from all delegates, both during the conference sessions and outside the World Forum.
It is extremely important for the continuing good relations between THIMUN, the World Forum, the City of The Hague and the diplomatic and business communities that delegates always behave appropriately. Therefore, schools are expected to select their students carefully and not bring to The Hague any student who is likely to create a disciplinary problem. This is important not only for the good name of THIMUN but also for the good name of the school concerned. School Administrators and MUN-Directors should be aware that attendance at the annual session of THIMUN is by invitation and that this invitation may be withheld from schools unable to ensure that their students conform to accepted standards of adult behaviour.
MUN-DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT
All students must be accompanied by, and are the responsibility of, the designated MUN-Director(s). A MUN- Director must be a teacher at the school, or at one of the schools from which the delegation comes. At least two responsible adults (MUN-Directors) should accompany each group. This does not apply to students in small delegations or in delegations from local schools. These students may be accompanied by just one MUN- Director.
All students staying in hotels must be supervised by their MUN-Director. MUN-Directors are required not only to stay in the same hotel as their students but must ensure that their room is located as close as possible to the rooms in which their students are staying. MUN-Directors with students staying in hotels are required to sign the Code of Conduct issued by the hotels through ITO PCO and must ensure that their students conform to these requirements.
At least one MUN-Director per school is expected to be always present in the World Forum, as well as for the meeting on Monday. MUN-Directors must ensure that their students are present in their designated forums. MUN-Directors are also required to adhere to the dress code (see below).
DRESS CODE
Formal dress, i.e., the kind of clothes that real UN diplomats might be expected to wear when attending UN sessions, is required at all meetings. In order not to cause offence to other delegates, national dress, military uniforms, and armbands are forbidden.
CONDUCT IN THE WORLD FORUM
Delegates and teachers must be always courteous to the World Forum Staff and to the THIMUN Organisational and Administrative Staff, most of whom are volunteers giving up many hours of their own time to serve the delegates.
Smoking is prohibited in the entire World Forum and alcoholic drinks may not be consumed while the conference is in session.
CONDUCT IN HOTELS
Students must remember that THIMUN is dependent on the goodwill of hotel managements in being able to provide accommodation at a reasonable cost for delegates. An unpleasant experience by just one hotel may mean the
loss of many potential beds for future delegates. Therefore, students must be always polite and considerate to hotel staff and fellow residents.
A curfew of 11 p.m. is recommended for every night and there must be no noise in hotel rooms after 10 p.m.
TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Smoking and/or the consumption of alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the World Forum. MUN-Directors are responsible for making and enforcing their own rules for their own students regarding alcohol consumption outside the conference venue.
It should be noted that in The Netherlands the legal minimum age for alcoholic consumption is 18, it is impossible for the conference organizers to impose unrealistic and unenforceable restrictions on alcohol consumption outside the conference. The use of any narcotic drug is expressively prohibited.
UNDIPLOMATIC BEHAVIOUR, HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION
Disrespectful behaviours during THIMUN and/or in committee should be addressed by attendees directly with one another or through their faculty advisor, head committee chair or one of the executive student officer’s. Repeated instances of undiplomatic behaviour may be called to the attention of THIMUN Staff and Board of Directors.
Harassment and discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, or disability are not acceptable. Such acts are incompatible with THIMUN’s educational mission and are a violation of our Conduct Expectations.
Anyone who believes they have seen or encountered undiplomatic behaviour, harassment or discrimination should bring it to the THIMUN Board or Staff’s attention. We will investigate the merits of the allegations and respond appropriately. Outcomes may include issuing a verbal reprimand, expelling violators from the conference without compensation, barring violators from future THIMUN involvement, or any other action deemed appropriate.