Epidemic Prevention Protocol

History of the Resolution

Huai Bei spent quite a bit of time on the UN Forums proposing, adjusting, and revising this proposal. What eventually came out of this process was a Resolution that 83% of voting members and delegates felt was worthy of support.

The first appearance was this fairly simple idea:

Epidemic Prevention Protocol

Globalization, international trade and advanced transportation systems accelerate the spreading pace of diseases and make every nation vulnerable. We need a solution to this problem

1. Every Nation is obliged to inform international community of every epidemic outbreak and try to isolate it.
2. Every Nation is obliged to help the particular Nation which is hit by the outbreak. An international organization should be formed upon this reason.
3. Every Nation has the right to quarantine any inbound passenger and potential-pathogen-carrier-cargo from Nation which is hit by the outbreak.
4. Every Nation has the right to ban import of food- and medical-product which is suspected to be a potential-pathogen-carrier from Nation which is hit by the outbreak.
5. Recommending the forming of International Health Agency

(Please reread point two)

Growth via the Forums

In response to quite a bit of feedback, the proposal grew and evolved. From versions 1.1 through 1.3 it continued to grow, but it was Version 1.4 where it first started looking like the final proposal. Lots more feedback and response, by Version 1.8 it was ready to be submitted.

Forum contributors joined the author in a concerted telegram campaign. Thanks to a number of participants, particularly Slackerness, this proposal gathered at least 120 endorsements in a single active day. The next morning it was in queue.

This proposal clearly shows the value of collaborative diplomacy towards the achievement of a common goal. The author was not a native English speaker, but gladly incorporated the suggestions of native speakers to improve the language. Huai Bei is also to be commended for posting all the interim versions as the proposal matured. The inclusive process also encouraged other members to join the campaign and push for speedy passage. Proof positive that the UN can be friendly towards that which it considers 'just'.

Text of the Resolution

Preamble

Contagious Diseases Epidemic Prevention Protocol

Description:
Globalization, international trade and advanced transportation systems accelerate the spreading pace of contagious diseases and make every nation vulnerable. We need a solution to this problem :

Contagious Diseases Epidemic Prevention Protocol

1. Every Nation is obliged to inform international community of every epidemic outbreak and to use all prudent medical means to isolate it.

2. International Red Cross Organization (IRCO) would be utilized to offer assistance to any Nation hit by contagious disease outbreak (recipient). The IRCO will manage donation and its distribution to recipient upon request of the recipient. IRCO will cooperates closely with Health Ministries of its members.

3. a) Every Nation has the right to quarantine any inbound passenger and potential-pathogen-carrier-cargo from Nation which is hit by the outbreak.

3. b) Every Nation has the right to ban import of food- and medical-product which is suspected to be a potential-pathogen-carrier from Nation which is hit by the outbreak.

Acknowledging that both actions are notably well within the Nation sovereignity.

Every Nation which is hit by epidemic outbreak and therefore affected by above mentioned actions is urged not to retaliate those actions.

4. Any person who, on behalf of the IRCO, renders medical care or assistance without the expectation of receiving compensation for such service, shall not be liable in civil damages for any act or omission, not constituting gross negligence, in the course of such care or assistance.

Explanation :

1. Definition of Epidemic : affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time
2. Statement of Sovereignity Assurance: This Protocol is humanitarian in nature. Sovereignity of each UN Member is guaranteed.
3. Animal to Human Contagious Disease: If contagious disease suffered by animal can be spread to human and there is proven case that human have been infected, the nation should refer to point 1 of the protocol.
4. Recommended method for (humanitarian) donation : First step : consult the recipient nation whether it would accept the offer Second step : consult the recipient regarding the type of the aid Third step : consult the recipient regarding the method to deliver the aid Fourth step : If agreement reached of all of the previous steps , conduct the aid

Type of donations:

1. Financial aid
2. Medicament and Food should be sent by civil transportation means. In the case that there is an option to use military transportation means, the recipient should be consulted. If it is agreed upon, the donor can send them.
3. Medical Training ( in case of military medical personals read point b)
4. Medical Personals (in case of military medical personals read point b)
5. Scientific cooperation; Technology transfer

Votes For: 12,093

Votes Against: 2,458

Implemented: Wed Oct 13 2004

Additional Materials

• Please Support Epidemic Prevent! UN Floor Debate
• United Nations
• Passed UN Resolutions