On December 6, Ms. Bartha Maria Knoppers and Messrs Michael Beauvais and Daniel Turp wrote in these pages that Canada and Quebec must show the way with regard to the adoption of an international treaty on pandemics, in the wake of resolutions to this effect adopted by the World Health Assembly on 1er December 2021. However, it turns out that an international committee made up of 26 legal experts from 11 countries and set up by the International Center for Comparative Environmental Law (CIDCE) has just completed its preparatory work for a project. full text of an international convention on pandemics, which will shortly be deposited with the WHO. The text of the draft convention is already available on the CIDCE website.
You should know that the CIDCE is an autonomous international organization specializing in environmental law which is recognized as an observer with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and whose vocation is also the protection of human and animal health. . Hence its concern to design a legally binding instrument that allows humanity to form a common front against pandemic perils.
The disastrous planetary toll of COVID-19 has exposed the common vulnerability of nations in the face of a global epidemic whose devastating consequences, at the human, economic, social, health and environmental levels, have not spared no country. No State has been able to overcome without pitfalls the multifaceted crisis it has generated. Clearly, the community of nations was not adequately equipped to manage it quickly and effectively, both individually and collectively.
It is now proven that the resurgence of pandemics is caused by anthropogenic interference on natural ecosystems. The complex interconnection that exists between living species is often at the origin of zoonoses, the appearance of which is linked to the close interdependence between human health, animal health, environmental quality and climate change. This is why the multisectoral “One health” approach is at the heart of the draft international convention proposed by the international committee of jurists of the CIDCE. At the crossroads of all disciplines involving the human-animal-environment interface, this approach makes it possible to predict, prevent, detect and contain the diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans. It proceeds from a “planetary health” approach which intimately integrates the well-being of humanity and safeguards all other forms of life.
The draft convention drawn up by the international committee of jurists of the CIDCE is based on the human right to a healthy life in harmony with nature, in an environment conducive to the achievement of the highest possible level of health and well-being. be, for the benefit of present and future generations. On this basis, the treaty text aims very broadly to mobilize the international community to prevent, see ahead, contain, manage, counter and eradicate pandemics in a rapid, efficient, equitable, united and inclusive manner, while respecting human rights. humanity and planetary boundaries.
With regard to pandemic preparedness, the draft international convention urges States, in particular, to put in place coordinated national strategies involving health, veterinary and environmental authorities, to develop scientific research on zoonotic risks, to have staff Specialized medical and health required and the necessary infrastructure as well as to strengthen epidemiological surveillance through early detection and early warning systems.
To respond to pandemics, the draft convention requires States to act with transparency by disclosing the source of any epidemic likely to turn into a pandemic, that they alert the population in the event of a pandemic outbreak being detected, that they protect it effectively through the establishment of emergency plans and they transparently inform the States likely to be affected. Vaccination equity is also one of the foundations of the project, which proposes that large-scale vaccination and universal access to vaccines be recognized as a global public good.
A universal threat, the pandemic calls for universal solidarity for a universal solution by means of a universal convention, as soon as possible. It is for the well-being of humanity and the sustainability of the planet.