Tips & Tricks on Drafting a Strong Resolution During Committee

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Hi delegates!

Congratulations on finishing up your position papers! We are so excited to read your proposed solutions, and want to provide you with a few tips on incorporating your research and ideas into tangible resolutions during committee. The latter half of this blog also includes elements to consider for your solutions for each topic, so be sure to look over those as well!


So what makes a strong resolution? On an overarching level, many of the strongest resolutions typically:

  • Reflect points made in committee

  • Clearly show collaboration between delegates and research into the topic & country policies

  • Provide detail to show how each action item will be implemented (e.g. funding, timeline, etc.)


At BMUN, we advise our delegates to use the acronym SMART when considering the elements of their resolution — that is, specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound.

  • Specific

    • Who, what, when, where, why?

  • Measurable

    • How is the resolution going to be assessed?

    • Are there qualitative or quantitative metrics and goals?

  • Actionable

    • What specific steps are going to be taken to ensure your idea can be properly executed and/or implemented?

    • We have noticed through grading position papers that delegates tend to struggle with this element the most. When working off of initial ideas for your solutions, take a second to consider these questions on whether your proposal is feasible.

      • Is it within reason? For example, “invading China and releasing all the Uyghurs” or overthrowing the government may not be within reason.

      • If involving bodies within the UN, does the UN’s role in your solution stay within its authority, or is it potentially overstepping its boundaries/overexerting authority?

      • Would other countries want to see your solutions implemented? If applicable, why should other countries be incentivized to support your solution financially?

  • Relevant

    • What specific issue does this resolution address?

  • Time-bound

    • When will this solution be achieved?


Now let’s look at our topics! Once you begin discussion and formation of blocs in committee, chances are that your resolution will reflect various ideas put forth by delegations that seek to address different aspects of the issue at hand. That being said, the chairs also have specific points they would like to see considered in the resolutions. Please note that these lists of questions are not exhaustive, and resolution drafts do not have to address every point. 


Points to consider for Topic A: Internment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China

  • What are some ways to incentivize or put pressure on delegations that possess opposing viewpoints from your country?

  • What methods can be implemented to provide assistance to Uyghurs who are involuntarily detained (e.g. provision of medical resources, asylum for family members, training officers to limit the use of physical force and weapons, minimizing human rights abuses, etc.)?

  • Is it possible to conduct regular checkups or inspections of conditions within the camps, and if so, to what extent do you think China would be willing to agree to?

  • What can be done to address the criticism about transparency in journalism and media coverage on this issue?

  • Are there any effective methods or policies that could lead to abolishing the detainment camps altogether? 


Points to consider for Topic B: Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide

  • What are some reasons to continue moving toward or farther away from legalizing euthanasia and PAS?

  • How can your country or other countries ensure that euthanasia or PAS policies do not overstep boundaries?

  • In countries where some or all types of euthanasia are illegal, are there alternative options for relieving suffering from terminal illness?

  • How can the autonomy of patients be protected, especially for those who are unable give consent (due to illness, age) and are reliant upon representation by a family member or guardian?

  • What are some ways to enforce physician compliance with safeguards and formal procedures before performing euthanasia, such as explicit voluntary consent or the consultation of a second physician (if applicable)?

  • What are some of the limitations for eligibility for euthanasia or PAS?


That's it for now! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about today's blog, or if there are any points to consider that you would add to this list. Lastly, as per usual, please email us at unhrcbmunlxx@bmun.org for any questions about UNHRC — position paper extensions, THIMUN, committee expectations, you name it!

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