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09 November 2020
Taiwan: excluded from WHO meeting despite resounding success in the fight against COVID-19
The WHO 83-page list of delegations for the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which takes place today, did not include any representation from Taiwan. On Sunday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said Island had yet to receive an invitation to the event involving the 194 member states of the UN health body, as well as other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and delegations. of observers representing the Palestinians and the Vatican. . “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses strong regret and dissatisfaction over China’s obstruction of Taiwan’s participation in the WHO and that the WHO continues to neglect the health and human rights of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan,” said the ministry.
In August 2020, the UNPO General Assembly passed a resolution calling on the international community to allow states with limited recognition to have full access to coordination mechanisms such as the World Health Organization and access to aid and funding. external international.
Although it has been more than 200 days since Taiwan last reported a case of coronavirus and is eager to share its experience and knowledge of its success, the island is excluded from most global organizations such as the WHO due to objections from China .
The WHO has defended itself by saying that it cooperates with Taiwan on various health matters and that it is up to member states if they invite Taiwan to WHO meetings.
Nearly 650 members of parliament from 25 European countries sent an open letter to the head of the WHO last week asking for Taiwan to be invited as an observer. The World Medical Association also wrote to Ghebreyesus reiterating its call for the island to be granted observer status.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is proof that cooperation for and with all the world’s healthcare systems is necessary,” wrote Dr. Frank Montgomery, Chairman of the WMA Council. “Therefore, we believe that it is cynical and counterproductive to continue excluding Taiwanese health representatives from participating in the World Health Assembly and technical meetings of the WHO. Even more so since Taiwan has a lot to offer in terms of experience and material help. “
Taiwan was expelled from the WHO in 1972 when the People’s Republic of China took its seat. He participated in the AMS as an observer between 2009 and 2016, but Beijing has increased the pressure on the island since President Tsai Ing-wen was first elected that year.
