Arid Calls for Public Debate on WHO Pandemic Treaty and IHR Amendments

VICTORIA, Seychelles, The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) issued a press release on Monday calling for a public debate on the proposed World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic treaty and amendments to the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR). The call follows the Ministry of Health pronouncement that the Seychelles government is in favour of an international instrument to boost pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Arid argues that any such decision should be subjected to wide public consultation before being adopted.

Stating its position, Arid is calling on the government to hold a public debate on the matter, going further to urge that government not endorse the proposed amendments to the IHR, as it will infringe on individual rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The association denounces the declaration made by the health minister Peggy Vidot, siding with concerned citizens who are against the new pandemic treaty and proposed IHR amendments. It has urged citizens to make their views known through lawful channels.

In an exclusive interview with local media, Arid member responsible for overseeing advocacy and information, Jules Hoareau, explained that Arid is not against a treaty, protocol, or document which seeks to prevent pandemics, to which every individual is inherently entitled. Nor should it leave space for countries sovereignty to be undermined, he added. Mr Hoareau noted that a number of movements, citizens and civil societies around the world are advocating and lobbying against the proposed treaty and amendments.

Adding that the instrument will give the WHO too much power in terms of structure and financing, Mr Hoareau explained that Arid stance is based on expert opinion by legal and medical professionals who are members of the association. In the Seychelles context, Arid concerns are threefold, with transparency being the main worry, followed by potential violations of human rights and the concentration of power in unelected bodies. The association has called for a clear explanation of the proposed text before any decision is taken.

It is the duty of the state to protect and uphold the rights of its citizens, and not to disregard the concerns of its citizens. The government should decide in the best interest of the people and should not disregard the concerns of its citizens, and that of civil society organisations, the press release states. Minister Vidot has clarified that no treaty has been signed yet, and the agreement is still under discussion at the international level.