The ICJ called today before the UN Human Rights Council on all Member States of the UN to allow for a global TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines and expressed concern at the deterioration of the rule of law in Guatemala.
The statement reads as follows:
“Mr President,
The ICJ welcomes High Commissioner for Human Rights’ acknowledgment of the degree of COVID-19 vaccine inequality.
We remain concerned about States who continue to oppose or otherwise impede the proposed TRIPS waiver, thus allowing pharmaceutical companies to continue to contravene their responsibility to respect human rights.
The time has come to make it clear that, in the context of the ongoing pandemic, it is not a right of States to relax intellectual property restrictions impeding COVID-19 vaccine access but an obligation of States within the broader framework of their obligation to protect.It is equally important that States take all necessary measures to ensure universal and equitable access to the full range of treatments and other relevant health products required for the containment, prevention and mitigation of COVID-19.
On Guatemala, the ICJ expresses concern at the further deterioration of the rule of law in the country.
Judicial independence is under severe strain. Judicial selection processes for the constitutional and other high courts were marred by lack of transparency and political interference. Several judges and prosecutors are under threat of malicious legal proceedings with the aim of intimidating them from dealing with corruption cases.
Judges must be ensured full protection and guarantees of independence.
I thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949
