Two working papers introduced in WHO - Europe vs the P5

Written by Adam Blake, Journalist, LIMUN 2026

Following a prolonged debate on Assisted Dying, Euthanasia, and more recently a discussion on the provisioning of Palliative Care, the World Health Organisation has taken a massive step towards a resolution with two working papers being introduced, one of which has the backing of three P5 members, the United Kingdom, Russian Federation, and the People’s Republic of China. 

The first working paper introduced was backed by Finland, India, The People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation and Austria. This paper revolves around encouraging member states to ‘prioritise palliative care’ as well as recommending the establishment of a ‘training framework’ to educate both professionals and the public on Assisted Dying and its alternatives. These recommendations to member states go hand in hand with the main sentiment expressed in this paper, that being a firm belief in Article Two of the UN charter permitting each nation autonomy of decision-making on issues.

The other paper was backed by Italy, Australia, Portugal, New Zealand, France, Ireland, Austria, Colombia, and Denmark. This paper works along the same principle of respect for national sovereignty as the first working paper, though makes more concrete demands regarding the measures that should be put in place by states when Assisted Dying or Euthanasia is being considered. This comes primarily through the recommendation of a two doctor approval process for Assisted Dying and Euthanasia in countries where this is legal, with both having to approve before a patient is euthanised. The paper also hopes to combat ‘suicide tourism’ by making it so that only residents of a state have access to Assisted Dying services in that state.

Though there are three clear blocs in this committee, one is still yet to produce a working paper as they are not as of yet fully aligned on the demands that should be made in such a document.

Finally, despite this split in working papers the delegate of New Zealand has shown a willingness to work with the United Kingdom on issues regarding palliative care. It is yet to be seen if this willingness to cooperate will result in the merging of working papers or if the dividing lines between these two major blocs are too great.

The final forms of these papers and the results of this debate are still yet to be seen, updates to follow tomorrow.