Zorena Jantze
THE National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) has taken up issue with proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations discussed at the World Health Assembly 75 during the week of 23 May 2022 to 27 May 2022.
These International Health Regulations define and detail World Health Organization members’ obligations on public health emergencies and other health matters.
The amendments which were adopted give the World Health Organization’s Director General unilateral powers to declare actual or potential health emergencies which are binding on all Member States and to expect a response from such Member States within 48 hours failing which punitive measures will be introduced against such Member States.
In conjunction with such amendments, a World Health Organization Pandemic Preparedness Treaty is being negotiated by Member States of the World Health Organisation. This treaty and the amendments to the International Health Regulations will enable the World Health Organisation to declare a global emergency binding on all Member States and to impose its recommendations on such Member States.
Job Muniaro, Secretary General of the NUNW, stated that this is in clear contravention of the Constitution of Namibia as a sovereign, secular, democratic and unitary State which is founded upon the principles of democracy, the rule of law and justice for all.
“The International Health Regulation amendments and the Pandemic Preparedness Treaty seek to diminish our sovereignty and democratic rights. The NUNW hereby calls upon our President, the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the entire Government of the Republic of Namibia to ensure that any new World Health Pandemic Agreement and/or International Health Regulations must be submitted to the National Assembly and National Council for ratification. The sovereignty of Namibia is not negotiable,” Muniaro stated.
