Treaties Committee recommends ratification of the World Health Organization's treaty on global public health emergencies

Parliament of Australia

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the major treaty action Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005).

The Committee found the amendments to the treaty are aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. The amendments will allow the World Health Organization to respond to future pandemics more swiftly and effectively, through the following key measures:

A new pandemic emergency declaration mechanism to improve early warning and elevate global attention to emerging health threats.
Expanded core capacities, such as measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, and improved access to essential health products for developing countries.
Strengthened global health architecture, promoting faster, coordinated international responses and reducing the risk of future pandemics.

Committee Chair Lisa Chesters MP said, 'Australia already has strong health systems in place. The real benefit of these amendments lies in helping other countries strengthen their capacity to detect and respond to health threats early. This global cooperation ultimately safeguards Australians and reduces the risk of future pandemics.'

The report also contains one minor treaty action relating to the Amendment to the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006. The treaty provides a framework for cooperation between tropical timber-producing and -consuming countries in the promotion of sustainable forest management and legal timber trade. The amendment is to extend the treaty until 2029.

The Committee supports ratification of the major and minor treaty actions and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.

Media inquiries

Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair
Korey Fernando, Diary Manager
[email protected]
(03) 5443 9055

For background information

Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4002
[email protected]

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