The so-called sanctions and their excessive compliance undermine the exercise of this fundamental guarantee, warned Alena Douhan, UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of these provisions on the enjoyment of human rights.
The expert rejected the negative impact of “excessive compliance with unilateral sanctions by the economic and financial sectors,” which complicates the procurement and delivery of medicines, medical equipment and other humanitarian supplies.
These impacts are evident in countries such as Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Syria, Iran, Somalia and Yemen, which do not have access to vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization, he said in his report to the Human Rights Council.
The measures also affect the economic situation, employment, food and pharmaceutical sectors in Cuba and Syria.
Douhan warned of the proliferation of different forms and types of care that the world is facing, stressing that all health systems are very vulnerable to the consequences.
Unilateral sanctions should never affect the functioning of health care, nutrition, agriculture, electricity, water supply, irrigation, sanitation, seeds and fertilizers, he stressed.
All this is necessary for the survival and well-being of the population, the expert added.
The impact of the so-called sanctions covers a wide range of health-related issues such as the development of adequate infrastructure and facilities; the shortage of health workers and the limited opportunities for their training in the countries included.
The population also faces barriers to accessing and developing science, knowledge and research; and disease prevention and control, new technologies and software.
Ultimately, these measures impact all key health services, including access to drinking water and sanitation, food security and a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
The rapporteur questioned the effectiveness of existing humanitarian exemptions, exemptions and suspensions due to the complex and overlapping nature of the unilateral measures regimes, approval procedures, ongoing financial constraints and fear of possible civil or criminal liability for alleged violations.
Ode/ebr