Belarus proposes UN ban on medical supplies in emergency situations

Belarus calls for a clear commitment to refrain from imposing any restrictions on the supply of medical products during emergencies. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov at the High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, which takes place within the framework of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

The Minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated global interdependence: the virus spread rapidly around the world, recognizing neither countries, borders nor peoples

- Instead of uniting, however, the world disintegrated: borders closed, most states locked themselves in their own national “fortresses,” and international trade in general shrank significantly. At the same time, a group of Western countries took on the role of a teacher, giving instructions to everyone else how to behave - close the borders, stop production, drive the population home. Moreover, by monopolizing the development of vaccines and controlling their distribution, the West has effectively appropriated the right to determine the final diagnosis. This is nothing but corruption that enriches pharmaceutical multinationals.

According to Maxim Ryzhenkov, the social and social costs by an order of magnitude exceeded the benefits of restrictions:

- Belarus then anticipated these risks, so it chose a different, more far-sighted path. We remained open, actively advocated for joint efforts. Minsk extended a helping hand to other states, ensured uninterrupted transit of humanitarian and medical supplies, and preserved the work of critical industries. While almost all countries stopped the activities of their airlines, Belavia continued to operate flights, taking our citizens and foreigners out of disaster zones and providing transport links.

Belarus has proved that even in conditions of global chaos, solidarity and responsibility to partners are more effective than selfishness and self-isolation

- This allowed us not only to preserve economic ties, but also to make a real contribution to food and logistics security. In 2021, we supported the idea of developing an international agreement on pandemics, actively participating in negotiations, making concrete proposals.

At the same time, Maxim Ryzhenkov expressed concern that today it is not possible to unite efforts. He explained:

- As experts debate the wording of a protocol to the agreement governing access to pathogens and benefit-sharing, EU countries continue to pursue sanctions that block access to life-saving medicines, vaccines and medical equipment for many countries. Therefore, we call for a clear commitment to refrain from imposing any restrictions on the supply of medical products during emergencies.

Solidarity in the field of global health should be expressed in the timely exchange of information, joint research, strengthening of epidemiological surveillance and, crucially, mutual support.

- Belarus is ready to work with all countries to coordinate such approaches in the protocol, Maxim Ryzhenkov summed up. Negotiations on the development of the Eurasian Charter for Diversity and Multipolarity in the XXI Century