Options for a Preventative Pandemic Treaty based on One Health

22 Pages Posted: 17 Mar 2022

See all articles by Katie Woolaston

Katie Woolaston

Queensland University of Technology

Bridget Lewis

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law

Date Written: March 16, 2022

Abstract

This paper analyses options for a new international instrument for pandemic prevention through the lens of One Health. It also examines potential models in terms of their capacity to deliver what we call ‘deep prevention’. This is aimed at preventing the risk of zoonoses from the earliest stage, and not just preventing or limiting the spread of a pandemic once it emerges. The paper also considers the ability of different models to capitalise on existing expertise in relevant fields through collaborations with international organisations, as well as the capacity to incorporate existing international rules and standards, thereby reducing norm duplication and enhancing the efficiency and legitimacy of the new regime.

Through comparisons with other existing instruments, the paper argues that the most suitable model for a new instrument would be a framework convention adopted by the international community outside the auspices of any single organisation. This would ensure that the three dimensions of One Health (human, animal and environmental) receive equal footing, while also allowing for relevant international organisations to contribute to the development of the framework regime over time. Other alternatives are also explored, including a standalone treaty or an instrument adopted under the constitution of the World Health Organisation. The paper concludes with several recommendations which could be pursued alongside or in the alternative to a binding legal instrument.

Keywords: One Health, pandemic, treaty, WHO, deep prevention, public health, zoonose, law, international relations, international law

JEL Classification: K33

Suggested Citation

Woolaston, Katie and Lewis, Bridget, Options for a Preventative Pandemic Treaty based on One Health (March 16, 2022). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4058944 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4058944

Katie Woolaston (Contact Author)

Queensland University of Technology ( email )

Level 4, C Block Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia
+61409770026 (Phone)

Bridget Lewis

Queensland University of Technology - Faculty of Law ( email )

Level 4, C Block Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane, QLD 4000
Australia

HOME PAGE: http://staff.qut.edu.au/staff/lewisb/

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