An International Pandemic Treaty Should Center on Human Rights

The BMJ | 10 May 2021
| May 17, 2021

This article by Kyle Knight states how the proposed International Pandemic Treaty could be undermined by political posturing and national protectionism, and what key issues must therefore be addressed.

"Those in charge of drafting the treaty must begin with a clear look at the grave abuses that have characterized the covid-19 pandemic: authoritarian power grabs; continuing monopolies in diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines; failure to resource health systems; staggering setbacks for women; and an upsurge in violence, including covid-related hate crimes. Poorer and marginalized communities have borne the heaviest burden of policing; unemployment; and lack of food, health services, and security."

Read the full article published on Human Rights Watch here.