Summarised by Centrist
Australia reasserts its sovereignty amid concerns over the WHO pandemic treaty, affirming its autonomy in health policy decisions despite proposed updates to the International Health Regulations (IHRs).
In a Senate hearing members from the Department of Health and Aged Care said that the World Health Organisation lacks legal authority to enforce directives on member states. While the treaty draft aims to centralise health responses under WHO coordination, Australian officials call for ongoing scrutiny and protection of national interests.
New Zealand similarly eyes a “national interest test” for UN agreements, amid sovereignty concerns.
Meanwhile, WHO urges treaty adoption to prepare for potential pandemics, drawing scepticism from some US Republicans over sovereignty implications. As the treaty deadline approaches in May, sovereignty remains a pivotal issue in global health governance debates.
