Instead of a comprehensive and effective global approach, what we have is a “two-track pandemic”: high-income countries with access to vaccines have already begun to relax safety measures; but there are others. They have little or no vaccines and face a “very precarious future”, according to Livingstone Siwanyana, independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order*.
The pandemic is the most severe crisis since World War II
During his review of his report to the General Assembly, the expert said: "The Covid-19 pandemic is the most severe crisis the world has faced since World War II, with nearly five million people killed. More than 241 million people have been infected worldwide.
"In just one year, there has been a staggering 40 per cent increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, with the number now reaching 235 million," he added.
Importance of Global Cooperation
Equal access to vaccines has been hampered by vaccine nationalism, bans on exporting raw materials for vaccines, and lack of funding for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) or Accelerator, the global collaboration aimed at accelerating Developing, producing, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
Mr. Siwanyana called for comprehensive multilateral action, including adequate funding for the World Health Organization, reform of the global tax system, creation of a global social protection fund and the introduction of an emergency universal basic income.
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*It is noteworthy that the special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which is an intergovernmental body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
The rapporteurs and experts are charged with studying human rights situations and submitting reports on them to the Human Rights Council. It should be noted that this position is ceremonial, and these experts are not considered employees of the United Nations and do not receive remuneration for their work.