Kerry Bartlett (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1)

recognises Taiwan’s:

(a)

world class health care system;

(b)

strong commitment to improved international health standards and international health security; and

(c)

proud record of medical assistance to developing countries;

(2)

notes that:

(a)

as emphasised by Dr Jong-wook Lee, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the experience of SARS in 2003, and the ongoing threat of Avian Influenza, show the imperative of an internationally coordinated approach to international health emergencies;

(b)

in the same way that Taiwan’s containment and management efforts during the SARS epidemic in 2003 were hampered by its inability to access the expertise of the WHO, its capacity to meet the challenges of a global Avian Influenza epidemic would be similarly constrained if it continues to be denied the right to participate in the operation of the WHO;

(c)

the World Health Assembly’s (WHA) Rules of Procedure formally allow for the participation of observers in the activities of the organisation, without reference to questions of sovereignty;

(d)

the participation of observers in WHO activities is consistent with the principle of ‘universal application’, given expression in the WHO’s constitutional mandate to “advance the health of all peoples”;

(e)

there are currently six semi-permanent WHA observers, including a sovereign state (the Holy See), a quasi-state (Palestine), a political entity (the Order of Malta), and three international organisations, and thus the granting to Taiwan of observer status should not be construed as a form of political recognition;

(f)

private Members’ bills in support of Taiwan’s bid for observer status with the WHO were tabled in this House in both 2003 and 2004;

(g)

support for Taiwan’s previous bids has also come from many other governments, including the US Government, the EU, Japan and Canada at the May 2003 and 2004 Summits of the World Health Assembly in Geneva; and

(h)

there is considerable public support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHO from professional medical organisations; and

(3)

supports the participation of Taiwan in the WHA as an observer, given that such participation would allow Taiwan to more effectively contribute to international health coordination, and to better protect its 23 million people from possible trans-national health emergencies, including Avian Influenza.

This is the third time in four years that I have spoken in favour of Taiwan being granted observer status in the World Health Organisation. This is because I believe it is right and fair that that happen. This is not a political issue; it is a fundamental issue of human rights.

Article 1 of the World Health Organisation states as a fundamental aim of the organisation the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. This must therefore include Taiwan’s 23 million people. There are three good reasons why Taiwan should be granted observer status. The first is the need to maximise international cooperation—that is, to integrate and coordinate approaches to tackling health issues that cross national borders. It is more and more vital due to the increased population movements, the increased levels of trade and the increased threat of the international transmission of disease, such as SARS, which we had in 2003, and the threat of the avian flu pandemic. I notice that in a resolution of the European Parliament just last week they mentioned ‘the necessity of direct and unobstructed participation in international health cooperation networks, forums and programs for all parts of the world, especially with today’s greater potential for cross-border spread of various infectious diseases—for example avian influenza and SARS’.

The second reason is that health is a fundamental right. Taiwan’s 23 million people have a right to information and services, as do other people in the world. The non-access to the World Health Organisation limits Taiwan’s capacity to protect its people, as happened in 2003 with the SARS outbreak when Taiwan’s efforts were hampered by non-access to World Health Organisation expertise.

The third reason, conversely, is Taiwan has much to contribute to the world health effort. It did in 2003 and it is currently contributing with the avian flu issues. It has helped in many areas in recent years. In response to the tsunami, Taiwan has a proud record of help in, for instance, Sri Lanka. It has put in substantial work in recent years to overseas aid, health and humanitarian issues, giving relief to over 78 countries. It has run campaigns, for instance, to eradicate malaria, AIDS, TB and yellow fever. Taiwan has a quality health system and needs to be able to contribute freely. Again, the resolution last week by the European Parliament says:

The health care system of Taiwan is one of the best and most advanced in the region and the Taiwanese authorities wish to let their specialists participate in the World Health Organisation’s preparatory meetings of experts on the avian flu situation.

For those three reasons, it makes sense and it is fair that Taiwan be given access, as an observer, to the World Health Organisation. It is for those reasons also that Taiwan’s efforts have been supported so strongly in recent years by many professional organisations, such as the British Medical Association, the World Medical Association, the International Paediatric Association, the Lancet, the Standing Committee of European Doctors, the Philippine Medical Association, the International Congress on Traditional Medicine—and the list goes on. As well as that, a number of governments have supported Taiwan’s efforts, including the US congress, the European Parliament—which, again, reinforced its commitment just last week, on 18 May this year—the Central American Parliament, the Belgium Chamber of Representatives, the Council of the European Union and so on. In fact, the Council of the European Union says:

Taiwan’s record in improving health conditions and the life expectancy of its population is impressive. Taiwan should be given the right and the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the work of the World Health Organisation.

There are indisputable arguments in favour of Taiwan’s participation and there are no arguments against it. I know there is nervousness about Taiwan’s political situation and concerns that this may have implications for that country’s political status, but those concerns are misguided. Being granted observer status to the WHO would have no bearing on Taiwan’s political situation. This is a totally separate issue. It is a health issue, not a political issue. Of the World Health Organisation’s six semipermanent observers, only one is a sovereign state; therefore, Taiwan’s participation does not have to be construed in political terms. It is a health issue, not a political issue. Taiwan should be granted, without delay, observer status to the World Health Organisation. (Time expired)

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