In the Wake of Recent Global Health Emergencies, how has International law Adapted to Manage Such Crises, and what Further Developments are Needed

Abstract

abstract The inception of international law (IL) has heightened the capability of the U.N. member states to tackle pandemics and epidemics. IL evolution has been linked to various events, such as the signing of treaties to end wars and establish a peaceful society. This study aims to understand how IL has adapted to manage global health crises. Moreover, it discusses the areas that need further development to make IL more effective in responding to and dealing with issues around future pandemics after the COVID-19 pandemic. Global health crises such as Ebola virus diseases (EVD) and the COVID-19 virus have negatively influenced the role of the U.N. COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weakness of the current IL. The International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR 2005) plays a role in preventing pandemics and epidemics. The COVID-19 pandemic emergence required member states to adopt measures that comply with the IHR 2005 regulations to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it is believed that IL enforcement during the recent pandemic was strengthened by the need to protect the right to life and right to health. However, imposing the preventive measures limited various civil and political rights, especially the right to peaceful gathering and speech, the right to privacy, the right to participate in the electoral process, and the right to just and fair hearing. Policymakers and U.N. bodies declare that the desire to protect the right to life and health should drive nations to implement measures to inhibit disease spread. Nevertheless, the IL framework has various shortcomings that need strengthening to improve the UN/WHO preparedness to tackle future global public health crises. Keyword: International Law, International Health Regulations, United Nations, World Health Organisation, COVID-19 Pandemic, customary international law