Lockdowns are 'colonialist': Coalition of African scientists accuse WHO of 'classical western imperialism through the backdoor' with sweeping new pandemic treaty

Story by Emily Stearn, Health Reporter

Lockdowns are 'colonialist': Coalition of African scientists accuse WHO of 'classical western imperialism through the backdoor' with sweeping new pandemic treaty

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been accused of being 'colonialist' over plans for a new pandemic treaty.

A coalition of Africa scientists fears that the agreement could see nations plunged into lockdown at the whim of the UN agency.

The WHO — heavily criticised for how it handled Covid — is considering up to 300 amendments to its legally-binding rulebook.

But one measure floated by the UN agency, the group worries, opens the door for member states to be made to comply with advice issued during future pandemics, such as enforcing vaccine passports and border closures.

The Pan-African Epidemic and Pandemic Working Group argued lockdowns were a 'class-based and unscientific instrument'.