MEDIMUN Code of Conduct & Conference Policies

Preface The Mediterranean Model United Nations (MEDIMUN) is dedicated to providing a professional, safe, and educational environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct applies to all Delegates, Student Officers (Chairs/Presidents), Managers, Secretariat members, Directors, and guests. Participation in MEDIMUN constitutes a binding agreement to adhere to these rules.

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1. Attendance, Punctuality & Certification Eligibility

Strict adherence to attendance policies is required to maintain the quorum and academic integrity of the conference.

1.1 Mandatory Presence

1. All participants are required to be present for the entirety of the Workshop and Conference phases.
2. Delegates and Student Officers must be seated in their assigned committee rooms prior to the commencement of Roll Call at the start of every session.

1.2 Unauthorized Absence & Loss of Certification

1. The Rule: If a Delegate, Chair, or Manager leaves their assigned committee session or post at any time—even for a brief period—without explicit verbal or written approval from the Secretariat or Senior Management, they will be immediately disqualified from receiving a Certificate of Participation.
2. Procedure for Leavetaking:
   1. If a participant must leave the room for a biological break or emergency, they must obtain permission from the Head Chair or the assigned Secretariat member in the room.
   2. Leaving the conference venue entirely requires approval from a Director.
3. Late Arrivals: Repeated lateness without a valid excuse cleared by a Director will be treated as an unauthorized absence.

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2. Professionalism, Respect, and Conduct

MEDIMUN simulates the United Nations; therefore, diplomatic courtesy is paramount.

2.1 Non-Discrimination Policy

Discrimination is strictly prohibited in all speech, written text, and actions. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on:

1. Religious affiliation or belief.
2. Sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. National origin, ethnicity, or race.
4. Skin color.
5. Mental or physical ability.

2.2 Anti-Harassment & Bullying

MEDIMUN enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment:

1. Verbal/Physical Abuse: Racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise offensive comments are banned.
2. Cyberbullying: Harassment via social media, messaging apps, or digital platforms related to the conference is subject to the same penalties as in-person misconduct.
3. Intimidation: Aggressive behavior towards other delegates, staff, or the Secretariat is unacceptable.

2.3 Interaction with Staff & Secretariat

1. Participants must follow the instructions of the Secretariat, Directors, and Security Staff at all times.
2. Disruption of committee sessions, arguing with Student Officers regarding procedural rulings (outside of formal points of order), or harassment of staff will result in disciplinary action.

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3. Dress Code Requirements

Participants are required to strictly adhere to Western Business Attire (WBA) for the duration of the Workshop and Conference.

3.1 Acceptable Attire

1. Suits: A matching suit jacket and trousers/skirt in dark or neutral colors (black, blue, grey).
2. Shirts/Blouses: Button-down collared dress shirts or professional blouses.
3. Ties: Ties are mandatory for participants wearing suits/collared shirts.
4. Dresses/Skirts: Must be knee-length or longer and professional in style.
5. Shoes: Formal dress shoes (leather, loafers, heels, or dress flats).

3.2 Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted in committee sessions or ceremonies:

1. Denim (Jeans/Jackets) of any color.
2. Sneakers, trainers, or athletic footwear.
3. T-shirts, hoodies, or sportswear.
4. Caps or hats (unless for religious/cultural observance).
5. Excessively short skirts or revealing clothing inappropriate for a diplomatic setting.

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4. Academic Integrity & Intellectual Property

4.1 Plagiarism & Pre-Writing

1. Original Work: All resolutions, amendments, and speeches must be the original work of the delegates.
2. Plagiarism: Copying resolutions from previous conferences, online databases, or other delegates is strictly prohibited.
3. Pre-written Resolutions: Delegates are prohibited from bringing fully pre-written resolutions to the conference. Resolutions should be the product of lobbying and negotiation during the session.

4.2 Protection of Intellectual Property

1. Taking photographs or screenshots of another delegate’s resolution, clauses, or working papers without their explicit permission is forbidden.
2. Theft of physical notes or devices is grounds for immediate expulsion.

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5. Privacy, Media & GDPR

5.1 Photography & Recording

1. Official MEDIMUN Recording:
   MEDIMUN is expressly authorized to take photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, and to livestream parts of the conference for documentation, educational, promotional, and advertising purposes.

2. Mandatory Consent by Participation:
   By registering for and participating in MEDIMUN, all delegates, chairs, staff, and attendees explicitly consent to being photographed, recorded, and livestreamed by MEDIMUN. This consent is mandatory, does not require prior individual approval, and cannot be withdrawn retroactively.

3. Use of Media:
   Such recordings and images may be used by MEDIMUN in, but not limited to, official publications, websites, social media platforms, promotional materials, and future advertising, in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

4. Restrictions on Private Recording:
   Private individuals (including delegates, guests, or external attendees) must obtain explicit consent from the individuals concerned or from MEDIMUN before taking, sharing, publishing, tagging, or distributing any photographs, video recordings, or audio recordings taken during the conference.

5. GDPR Compliance:
   Any unauthorized recording, sharing, tagging, or publication of personal data or images by private individuals on public or private platforms is strictly prohibited and may constitute a violation of GDPR.

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6. Venue & Property Guidelines

6.1 Respect for Facilities

1. Participants are guests of The English School and the European University.
2. Damage Liability: Any damage to furniture, electronics, or building infrastructure is strictly forbidden. The individual(s) responsible will be held financially liable for repairs or replacements.
3. Cleanliness: Delegates must keep committee rooms clean. All trash must be disposed of in appropriate bins.

6.2 Prohibited Items & Pets

1. Pet Policy: Delegates are not allowed, under any circumstances, to bring pets or animals to the conference venue.
2. Dangerous Items: Weapons, sharp objects, or any item deemed dangerous by security are strictly prohibited.

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7. Substance Policy

MEDIMUN is a strictly substance-free educational event.

7.1 Prohibited Substances

1. Alcohol: The possession or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited for all student participants.
2. Tobacco & Nicotine: The use of cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, or any other tobacco/nicotine products is prohibited by delegates during the Workshop and Conference phases.
3. Illegal Drugs: The possession or use of illegal narcotics will result in immediate expulsion and referral to local law enforcement.

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8. Disciplinary Actions & Reporting

8.1 Reporting Misconduct

If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, you are urged to report it immediately.

1. Who to Contact: Your Committee Chair/Manager, a member of the Secretariat, your Director, or a Senior Director.
2. Investigation: All reports will be investigated thoroughly and with confidentiality.

8.2 Consequences of Violation

Violating these guidelines allows the Executive Team to impose sanctions, including but not limited to:

1. Verbal Warning: A formal caution from the Chair or Secretariat.
2. Suspension: Temporary removal from the committee session (loss of voting rights).
3. Certificate Revocation: Non-issuance of the Certificate of Participation (Mandatory for attendance violations).
4. Expulsion: Immediate removal from MEDIMUN 2024.
5. Future Ban: Prohibition from attending future MEDIMUN events.