Diplomatic jujitsu at WHO

The Indian Express     19th May 2020     Save    

ContextResolution related to China’s role in COVID-19 is before the World Health Assembly.

Objective of Motion backed by more than 120 countries

  • Stepwise process of “impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation” of WHO coordinated international response to Covid-19.
  • Identification of the zoonotic source of the coronavirus and its transmission to human populations.

Global response

  • Australia has pushed for probe along with European Union at World Health Assembly even after threat from China.
  • Issue was raised at UN Security Council and G-20 forum level.
  • As resolution does not mention China’s name specifically, Western Countries hope that China will not oppose the resolution.

China

  • Objecting to probe and threatened Australia with trade repercussions.
  • China get upper hand in WHO due to getting the things under control quickly and expansive mask diplomacy.
  • Unanimous approval resolution will have diplomatic setback for China.

Issue with WHO

  • Limited ability to tackle situations, as it can only issue advisories and has no enforcement powers (It can only ask for compliance reports from member countries.).
  • Need to develop new international norms: to increase the obligations of states and the powers of the WHO in facilitating early detection and notification of pandemics.
  • Question of Funding: it must depend on donations rather than membership fees, as the donors will inevitably set the agenda
  • WHO trying to do too many things:  A limited agenda might make the it a more effective organisation.

India’s role after becoming Chairman of executive board of WHO

  • Quiet diplomacy from India side have created political basis for learning the right lessons from the pandemic.
  • It should push for new crisis management protocols and give the global health body some teeth.

Way Forward

  • The need of the hour is a global health architecture that demands accountability, as WHO can’t remain a soft adviser.
  • There is also a need for intensive engagement with China, USA and the “Quad plus” nations to promote a new global regime on preventing and managing pandemics.