Social Watch E-Newsletter - Issue 365 - May 15, 2020

The Coronavirus Global Response pledging event on 4 May celebrated raising 7.4 billion euro for the collaborative development of vaccines, treatment and diagnostics, but there is lack of clarity on ensuring equitable access and the role of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Questions remain on whether developing and least developed countries, where hundreds of millions of people are suffering the severe health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19, would receive an equitable share of the needed resources, both financial and in terms of the medical products concerned. Read more

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Global Policy Watch (GPW) has published a series of COVID-19 Round-Ups. These publications monitor developments and decisions undertaken related to addressing the global pandemic at the United Nations and multinational level. Global Policy Watch is a joint initiative of Global Policy Forum and Social Watch. Read more

The COVID-19 health crisis added to the multidimensional crises in the Arab region and their manifestation in conflicts, wars, economic and social inequalities, and the increasing number of refugees and migrants. It could lead to severe repercussions at the economic, social, and political levels. According to an ESCWA preliminary estimate, the region will lose at least USD42 billion in 2020 due to the Corona pandemic. ESCWA also considered that the global spread of the virus and the growing impact of low oil prices could aggravate income losses. Unemployment is expected to increase by 1.2 percentage points, meaning the loss of around 1.7 million jobs. The Arab region registers some of the highest rates of inequality around the world, and informal employment accounts for 50% of jobs. It also lacks universal social protection systems and is thus unable to protect workers and ensure their dignity during work stoppages. Read more

Paid Sick Leave a Crucial Weapon During COVID-19 Era and BeyondGlobal study shows that gaps in coverage for ailing workers put nations’ health and economic security at risk.
At a time when the world’s attention is focused on curbing the spread of infectious disease, new research by the UCLA WORLD Policy Analysis Center shows that strengthening guarantees of paid sick leave is crucial to protecting health and economic security around the globe.
Just published in the journal Global Public Health, the study found that almost every country (94%) mandates some form of paid sick leave at the national level. The United States is one of 11 countries that do not. Read more

“There is no society, only individuals,” Margaret Thatcher famously said. The global pandemia is proving her wrong. Instead of panicking in face of the pandemia, people around the world are organizing, cooperating and supporting each other beyond what regulations ask them to do. Social Watch was created to channel civil societies independent reporting on how governments implement their commitments. And that includes their legal obligations to promote, protect and respect Human Rights, including the right to health.
As you may know, the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) of next July will meet virtually. The HLPF should review at ministerial level the Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including the presentation of national reports from dozens of countries.
Social Watch remains committed to support alternative civil society reporting and disseminate their findings.
As the coronavirus pandemia is affecting all countries, with more severe impacts expected among the poor, we particularly welcome the reporting, even if partial, on how societies are being affected and mobilizing to face the crisis, cope and care. Read more