Arid calls on government to consider citizen’s WHO pandemic Treaty and IHR concerns |06 March 2024

The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) issued a press release on Monday, calling for a public debate on the proposed World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic treaty, and amendments to the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR).

The call follows the Ministry of Health’s pronouncement that the Seychelles government is in favour of an international instrument, to boost pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Stating its position, Arid is calling on the government to hold a public debate on the matter, going further to urge that government not endorse the proposed amendments to the IHR, “as it will infringe on individual rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.

The association denounces the declaration made by the health minister Peggy Vidot, siding with concerned citizens who are against the new pandemic treaty, and proposed IHR amendments which will directly infringe on Seychelles’ sovereignty, the association stated.

In an exclusive interview with Seychelles NATION, Arid member responsible for overseeing advocacy and information, Jules Hoareau, explained that Arid is not against a treaty, protocol, or document which seeks to prevent, or mitigate the possible implications of a pandemic, but any such instrument should not violate basic human rights to which every individual is inherently entitled, nor should it leave space for countries’ sovereignty to be undermined.

Mr Hoareau noted that a number of movements, citizens and civil societies around the world are advocating and lobbying against the proposed treaty and amendments, adding that the instrument will give the WHO too much power in terms of structure and financing.

Mr Hoareau explained that Arid’s stance is based on expert opinion by legal and medical professionals who are members of the association.

In Seychelles context, Arid’s concerns are threefold. Mr Hoareau noted that Arid is particularly concerned with transparency, whereby the government makes major decisions, prior to engaging with citizens.

Secondly, the association is concerned about the violation of human rights. This was the case during the pandemic whereby citizens were made to feel forced to be vaccinated should they wish to remain in employment or engage in society’s activities.

“In Seychelles we have a very effective and robust Public Health Act. We have the legislative framework and the Public Health Commissioner has powers to make decisions. Do we need the WHO to further control us?” Mr Hoareau questioned.

As per the press release, Arid is of the view that the health ministry is not willing to engage and listen to the concerns of citizens on the matter.

“It is the duty of the state to protect and uphold the rights of its citizens, and not to disregard the concerns of its citizens. The government should decide in the best interest of the people and should not disregard the concerns of its citizens, and that of civil society organisations.”

“The will of the people must be recognised and neither government nor the minister can act in an autocratic manner,” the press release states.

Arid is also calling on civil society collectively to be the voice of the numerous citizens who have expressed their concerns to Arid.

The association will continue with its campaign of advocating and lobbying against the decision, even if this might mean protesting against the government’s stance, to represent the concerns raised by Seychellois citizens.

It is imperative that the government clarifies what provisions of the treaty and amendments it is in favour of, and to clearly communicate the implications for citizens and the country in general.

In addition to a public debate, Arid is calling on members of the National Assembly to engage with their constituents, and to put forward their positions, rather than those of the political party which they represent.

“This country belongs to the people of Seychelles and their voice must be heard,” Arid stated.

Meanwhile, the health minister, Peggy Vidot, was before the National Assembly yesterday to make a statement on the treaty to ensure everyone was on the main page. The minister said she had taken the decision to clarify and remove any doubts being caused by “international propaganda”, which are protecting the agenda of big international companies and other interests.

Minister Vidot said some of the comments being made about the treaty are not correct. She clarified that firstly no treaty has been signed yet, and the agreement is still under discussion.

Laura Pillay