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International Instrument on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Treaty Type:
Multilateral
Common Name:
Pandemic Instrument
Responsible Department:
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Administering Department:
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Treaty Summary:
In November 2021, New Zealand and other World Health Organization (WHO) Member States agreed to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR). A new pandemic instrument was a key recommendation of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response. New Zealand sees this as an important step towards preparing the world for future health emergencies and ensuring that a global health crisis of this magnitude does not occur again.
NZ Adherence Status:
In Progress
Negotiation Status:
Negotiations began in February 2022 and are currently at an early stage. Negotiations will continue over the next two years and governments are working towards a delivering an outcome to the 77th session of the World Health Assembly in 2024. No draft text of proposed pandemic instrument has been presented to WHO Member States, and the legal form of the instrument has not yet been confirmed. The INB may recommend a non-legally binding option, such as a political declaration. Aotearoa New Zealand submitted our initial views on the ‘substantive elements’ to be included in the instrument earlier this year, taking into account our key domestic, Pacific regional and global health security interests. This submission will shortly be made available on the MFAT and Ministry of Health websites.
Organisation:
World Health Organization
Is Signed By NZ:
No
Signature Date:
Ratified or Signed:
No
Requires Ratification:
No
NZ Territorial Applications:
None
Information about required Legislation:
Impacts on Maori:
The INB’s negotiations are key to ensuring more equitable health outcomes in future health emergencies. It is widely recognised that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing health inequities around the world, and in New Zealand, Māori have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 (and are at higher risk of adverse outcomes than the general population). In line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, Māori views on an instrument for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and its substance will be sought throughout the INB process, including via the online submission tool. This feedback will inform the Government’s negotiating position within the INB. More broadly, Aotearoa New Zealand is advocating for Health equity (within and between countries) to be a guiding principle of the instrument.
Impacts on Stakeholders:
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that the international system for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response requires strengthening. As negotiations on the form of the future instrument are ongoing, there is currently insufficient information to determine the exact scope of any impact on stakeholder groups in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the Government is committed to consulting interested parties throughout the process.
MFAT and the Ministry of Health will shortly begin a consultation process, hosted by MFAT, to hear what New Zealanders want to see in a new international pandemic prevention, preparedness and response instrument.
A document summarising responses to this round of public feedback will also be prepared and published on the MFAT and Ministry of Health websites. The summary will be anonymised and will not contain any personal or identifiable information.
These views will help guide and inform New Zealand’s overall engagement as we participate in negotiations.
Should the INB eventually recommend a legally binding international instrument such as a treaty, this would require a process of Cabinet and Parliamentary scrutiny. This would include a Select Committee process, which provides an opportunity for the public to make submissions on the treaty.
Link To Legislation:
Treaty Text Link:
Contact Information:
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