Close to 400 civil society organisations and individuals have written to the UN and the WHO, seeking fair and equitable “benefit sharing” of the SARS-CoV-2 digital sequence information and samples as recognised by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Nagoya Protocol. The two organisations should “secure binding commitments from biopharmaceutical companies and other manufacturers for the rapid supply of existing and future medical products, especially diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines to developing and least developed countries at an affordable price,” said the letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Fairness and equity
The CBD and its Nagoya Protocol are binding international instruments based on principles of fairness and equity, the letter said, linking it to “access to biological resources with fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of such resources.” The CBD has 196 parties and its Nagoya Protocol, 123 parties, legally committed to it.
This story is from the April 29, 2020 edition of The Hindu Business Line.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 29, 2020 edition of The Hindu Business Line.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls
Making Covid-19 Less Taxing
Taking into account the disruption to daily life caused by the pandemic, the Centre has announced a series of relaxations for taxpayers, investors
Good For Long Term
But given the risks in the broader market and uncertainty in crude contract, fresh exposure can be avoided now
Large Units Better Prepared Than MSMEs To Restart
Even as Tamil Nadu government contemplates partial lifting of lockdown, big industrial units are ready with a new set of operating procedures but MSMEs see many bottlenecks in restarting the operations.