INB12: Pandemic Agreement update

In preparation for the resumption of negotiations, a new proposal for the Pandemic Agreement has been shared. There are still contentious issues under discussion, and some new text has been added by the Bureau for discussion at INB12 which begins on November 4 2024. We have summarised where human rights are mentioned, and the status of these articles in the negotiations.

In the Preamble: The introductory section of the Pandemic Agreement Proposal addresses various human rights-related points:

• Recognizes the right to the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right and emphasizes non-discrimination, gender equality, and the right to dignity.References the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) for eliminating discrimination against women in healthcare.Highlights the importance of equity, solidarity, and humanitarian access in line with international human rights and humanitarian law.Specific focus on vulnerable populations, especially in ensuring equitable access to health resources during pandemics.

Highlighted yellow are proposals by the Bureau on gender equality and equitable access, indicating these topics have preliminary convergence but are still open for further input at INB12. However, many other aspects, such as humanitarian principles and provisions for humanitarian assistance, remain in brackets, suggesting unresolved discussions.

Article 3 – Principles and Approaches:

• Emphasizes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly concerning non-discrimination, dignity, and gender equality.Recognizes solidarity and inclusivity as essential for equitable pandemic responses, with specific protections for vulnerable populations.

Several human rights terms and phrases in this article, including yellow-highlighted elements related to equity and inclusivity, have been provisionally accepted by the Bureau but remain open for discussion. Some elements, particularly related to gender equality and specific wording around equity, are in brackets as they await consensus.

Article 18 – Communication and Public Awareness:

• Stresses the importance of public access to science-based, accurate information and promotes public health literacy.Emphasizes transparency, which fosters trust in public health institutions, aligning with human rights principles for access to information and education.

Certain components here are yellow-highlighted, particularly regarding transparency and accessibility, suggesting preliminary Bureau agreement yet open for additional refinement.

Article 17 – Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approaches:

• Calls for the engagement of communities, including Indigenous Peoples and vulnerable populations, in pandemic prevention and response.Promotes a multi-sector approach to addressing the socioeconomic impacts of pandemics and safeguarding human rights, particularly for those in fragile settings.

Yellow-highlighted sections reflect Bureau proposals on community engagement and social protections, indicating tentative agreement while allowing for further discussion. Meanwhile, other sections, particularly around socioeconomic protections, remain bracketed as they are yet to be finalized.

Article 19 – International Cooperation and Support for Implementation:

• Focuses on the importance of international support to ensure equitable technology and resource access, emphasizing the needs of resource-limited countries.Reinforces commitments to equitable pandemic responses, particularly prioritizing developing countries.

Bureau proposals for voluntary technology sharing and cooperation are yellow-highlighted in this article, indicating preliminary agreement but open to further input at INB12. Other provisions are still bracketed, especially regarding specific terms for international support mechanisms.