NationStates Jolt Archive

World Health Authority

A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.


Category: Social Justice


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Belarum

Description: The World Assembly,

Believing that the nations of not only the World Assembly, but those outside WA jurisdiction should be committed to the health and well-being of their people,

Further believing that good health is a key component in socioeconomic growth, development, and progress,

Deeply concerned by the potential lack of prevention and control of disease or other threats to good health in the respective member states of the World Assembly, as well as the potential lack of coordination between agencies of nations in bringing medical advances and preventative measures to nations of the WA in fighting disease, as well as addressing overall health concerns,

Emphasizing the importance of disseminating crucial information concerning current and emerging threats to global health throughout the international community, to include nations which may not hold membership in the World Assembly,

Resolving to bring decent health standards as well as coordination and preparedness to combat threats to health to as many nations as possible, hereby:

I) Strongly encourages nations to make spending commitments to achieving decent health standards for their people;

II) Further encourages coordination between the existing health agencies of nations in order to promote decent health standards in the international community;

III) Establishes the World Health Authority (WHA), with the mission to:
-identify, assess, and communicate current and emerging threats to global health,
-actively research treatment, cures, and preventative measures concerning threats to global health,
-coordinate efforts between WA member states in preventing and controlling serious health concerns;

IV) Mandates the establishment of WHA offices in the member states of the World Assembly, as necessary in order to:
-monitor the global health situation in order to prevent and control emerging threats,
-articulate and advise governments on health matters with information that is both ethical and evidence-based,
-disseminate crucial information and research concerning health internationally in a quick and orderly fashion,
-coordinate and/or support relief efforts in WA member states in partnership with the appropriate agencies or take responsibility itself should those agencies be unable to respond;

V) Strongly encourages individual nations to:
-create agencies concerned with the health of their people,
-research ways to prevent and remedy threats to decent health,
-disseminate such information in the international community in order to impede threats to decent health.

This is at vote. As the author has not posted on official At Vote thread I suppose we can use this one for now.

Personally I (as my alter ego, Carbandian WA mission) am on the fence regarding this one.

The idea behind it certainly is valid enough, but clause #3 does strike me a bit odd..Sounds a bit like a comittee

Personally I (as my alter ego, Carbandian WA mission) am on the fence regarding this one.

The idea behind it certainly is valid enough, but clause #3 does strike me a bit odd..Sounds a bit like a comittee
Well yes, it would appear to be establishing a committee called the World Health Authority (WHA).

David Watts
Ambassador
The Dominion of New Leicestershire

Well yes, it would appear to be establishing a committee called the World Health Authority (WHA).

David Watts
Ambassador
The Dominion of New Leicestershire
Edit: Just checked the precise wording in the rules on that and it turns out I was mistaken. Will give it some extra thought before casting my vote then.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that make it run afoul of the rules on, or rather against, comittees?
You can establish committees so long as the committee does something and so long as the resolution itself does something other than just...establish a committee.

Creating Stuff

Committees may be created, as long as certain things are kept in mind: nations do not sit on committees, they are staffed by mystical beings that instantly spring into existance and live only to serve on said committee. Committees are also bound by the above MetaGame rules. Also, keep in mind that Committees are additions to Proposals; they shouldn't be all the Proposal does.

This resolution seems to be valid and useful without infringing on the right of nations. The WHA would be very welcome in our nation. Count this one as a yes vote!

I'm currently undecided. At first glance it looks acceptable and New Leicestershire will likely vote in favour but we will wait for further arguments to be presented. Hopefully the delegation from Belarum will be along shortly.

David Watts
Ambassador
The Dominion of New Leicestershire

Same here, old boy. It doesn't seem that intrusive, but I shall wait until more supporters and detractors show up.
Excelsior,
Sen. Horatio Sulla

It should be noted that this is a re-working of UNR #212 "Disease Prevention and Control" (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12864225&postcount=213), also authored by Belarum.

It seems pretty good to me. The edits make sense, and we supported the previous version.

Seems harmless enough, to me

In the Name of the Eternal Kawaii, may the Cute One be praised

We rise in approval of this resolution. As a nation living among other nations, we recognize health and hygiene as an international issue, and support efforts to promote it.

So long as the World Health Authority doesn't mandate what ethical treatment is, in regards to national health organizations, the delegation of Glen-Rhodes is prepared to vote for this measure.

Dr. Bradford Castro
Ambassador to the World Assembly
from the Commonwealth of Glen-Rhodes

The problem with this resolution is that it will allow the WA to extend its jurisdiction to non WA members. Non members should not have to abide by the rules of the WA if they choose not to. I urge other members of the WA to vote AGAINST the resolution.

I will admit, honored ambassador from Penneria, that some of the language of the resolution in regards to non-WA members gave me pause at first. But after re-reading the resolution, these two clauses seem the only ones that relate to non-WA nations:

Emphasizing the importance of disseminating crucial information concerning current and emerging threats to global health throughout the international community, to include nations which may not hold membership in the World Assembly,

and:

V) Strongly encourages individual nations to . . . disseminate such information in the international community in order to impede threats to decent health.

The resolution states that health information will be shared with all nations, be they WA or non-WA. No agencies will be set up in the non-WA, and no non-WA nation will have to do anything to comply with this act.

The problem with this resolution is that it will allow the WA to extend its jurisdiction to non WA members. Non members should not have to abide by the rules of the WA if they choose not to. I urge other members of the WA to vote AGAINST the resolution.



Are the vague and optional references to non-members in this resolution really a reason for the whole statute to be damned honoured Ambassador ?



Yours e.t.c. ,

My government has instructed me to rise in support, and I do so happily. Largely as I've just been promoted.

Nemo Taranton
Minister of W.A. Affairs,
States-Federation of Snefaldia

My government has instructed me to rise in support, and I do so happily. Largely as I've just been promoted.

Nemo Taranton
Minister of W.A. Affairs,
States-Federation of Snefaldia



What splendid news ! the Government of the Emperor of Urgench congratulates his Excellency, Minister Taranton.


Yours sincerely,

The resolution states that health information will be shared with all nations, be they WA or non-WA. No agencies will be set up in the non-WA, and no non-WA nation will have to do anything to comply with this act.


The Harmonious Treefolk delegation has summed the issue of non-WA nation involvement quite nicely. The FRB delegation drafted this legislation with all nations in mind, but was keenly aware of jurisdictional issues, which is why the legislation simply "encourages" non-WA nations to cooperate with the WHA and perhaps even act on the suggestions made in the piece. There is no undue influence in non-WA member states, merely suggestion.

I decided that such a critical issue as health should be addressed on the international scene, and re-reading Resolution #212, it came to me that Disease Prevention and Control could be expanded to cover all health concerns in general, not just disease.

At the present time, considering the lack of substantial arguments against this resolution while also finding it a sound and worthy piece of legislation, Subistratica has decided to vote for it.

Having come to the conclusion that this is a good thing, the People's republic of Carbandia also votes aye.

We are still undecided as to the efficacy of this statute. It is well written and clear but we are worried about the level of power this health commission will actually have, will it be capable of successfully obtaining its desired aim ?

Yours e.t.c. ,

We are still undecided as to the efficacy of this statute. It is well written and clear but we are worried about the level of power this health commission will actually have, will it be capable of successfully obtaining its desired aim ?

Yours e.t.c. ,
I am going to cast New Leicestershire's vote in favour. It's true that it could have been made stronger and the WHA given more sweeping powers, but I feel that this is an area that calls for cooperation between the World Assembly and national governments, rather than the WA handing down edicts from on high.

David Watts
Ambassador
The Dominion of New Leicestershire

I am going to cast New Leicestershire's vote in favour. It's true that it could have been made stronger and the WHA given more sweeping powers, but I feel that this is an area that calls for cooperation between the World Assembly and national governments, rather than the WA handing down edicts from on high.

David Watts
Ambassador
The Dominion of New Leicestershire


We agree the W.H.A. should not have sweeping powers for all circumstances but it might have had a stronger emergency role with power to interrupt specific national prerogatives to prevent worsening emergency health events.


Yours e.t.c. ,

The Conferderacy of Draistania does not support this resolution. While it may not force non-members to do anything, it still could be viewed as a threat to some of the simpler nations for whatever reason.

Also, if a nation requires our assistance they should join the WA. It is regrettable that some people were born in non-member nations and do not have this choice, but they can surely find a member nation to relocate to if they feel their needs aren't being met.

"Hr'rrm, the risk of epidemics crossing national borders does make this a valid topic for international legislation, and this particular piece of legislation seems non-intrusive enough to be acceptable to the Clans.
Bears Armed will vote for this proposal... even though most of the WA's members seem to have wholely Human populations, whilst an overwhelming majority of our own population belongs to species that generally aren't susceptible to the same diseases that afflict humans."


Borrin o Redwood,
Chairbear, Bears Armed Mission to the World Assembly,
for
The High Council of Clans,
The Confederated Clans of the Free Bears of Bears Armed.

Also, if a nation requires our assistance they should join the WA. It is regrettable that some people were born in non-member nations and do not have this choice, but they can surely find a member nation to relocate to if they feel their needs aren't being met.

The reason for the inclusion of non-WA nations in this resolution is that health matters in one nation can effect the health of many other nations. A plague or pestilence that starts in one nation will not necessarily stay there. Therefore, trading health information with non-WA nations will help protect WA nations from disease as well.

the new resoultion should be voted down. the WA is repeatedly attempting to wrongfully force freedom upon nations. resoultions should be voted on and passed or voted down, and then give all WA members the option of enforcing that resoultion if passed. laws are important but not at the cost of personal freedom:mad:

the new resoultion should be voted down. the WA is repeatedly attempting to wrongfully force freedom upon nations.
Explain how this forces freedom upon nations.
resoultions should be voted on and passed or voted down, and then give all WA members the option of enforcing that resoultion if passed.
Resolutions cannot be optional. Read the rules (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=420465).

laws are important but not at the cost of personal freedom:mad:
Explain how this restricts personal freedom. Keep in mind that in your first sentence you contend that it forces freedom upon nations.

Since the Empire of Zarquon Froods has an exemplary record of health and has long since surpassed what most nations refer to as "modern medicine" we are inclined to abstain from the vote as it would be fruitless for us to act otherwise.

The Great Prophet Zarquon has spoken.

Since the Empire of Zarquon Froods has an exemplary record of health and has long since surpassed what most nations refer to as "modern medicine" we are inclined to abstain from the vote as it would be fruitless for us to act otherwise.

The Great Prophet Zarquon has spoken.



We are in a similar predicament to the renowned Empire of Zarquon Froods.

We will likely abstain from voting on this statute also.



Yours e.t.c. ,

The potential strength of the committee concerns us (realistically we see it as more of a mild strength), so we have decided to sit out of the vote.

The Rogue Nation of Flibbleites will be abstaining on this as well. It's not that I don't like the proposal, it's more that it wasn't presented to us prior to submission (OOC: In other words, it wasn't posted in the forum.).

Bob Flibble
WA Representative

The Federal Republic of Omigodtheykilledkenny has likewise decided to abstain on this vote. It's not that we don't like the proposed legislation, and it's not that it wasn't presented to us before hand, it's just that the subject bores the hell out of us, and if we bothered to give the resolution more than just a quick read-through, we fear our brains would melt and ooze out of our ears. We Kennyites greatly value our brains (because so few of us actually have them), so we definitely do not want that to happen.

- Jimmy Baca, Deputy Ambassador

President Jerzy "Jay" Novakovich of the united Socialist States of Jaynova, West Pacific, takes the floor:

"Comrades of the World Assembly,

As advances in transportation and communication have made this world seemingly smaller, each nation's health becomes more and more of an international issue. I urge those nations who abstain on the grounds that they have no benefit in such a resolution take another look. By sharing your understanding of diseases and methods of prevention, you could stop the spread of said diseases in other countries. As a part of the international community, you are affected by what happens in other countries, whether you admit it or not. A pandemic can destroy the world economy, and a disease that may not be a problem in your country could kill one of your citizens if he or she were traveling in a country whose health standards were inferior to your own. It's as we say in Jaynova: 'Весь мир только село.' In other words, we're all in this together.

The United Socialist States of Jaynova vote FOR this resolution.

Thank you."

The Principalities of Gobbannium are currently abstaining, and will likely vote against this proposal. We would welcome the WHA in its various highly beneficial roles; unfortunately the remainder of the proposal is mere warm words, and as such would block much effective legislation as regards health and welfare.

The Federal Republic of Omigodtheykilledkenny has likewise decided to abstain on this vote. It's not that we don't like the proposed legislation, and it's not that it wasn't presented to us before hand, it's just that the subject bores the hell out of us, and if we bothered to give the resolution more than just a quick read-through, we fear our brains would melt and ooze out of our ears. We Kennyites greatly value our brains (because so few of us actually have them), so we definitely do not want that to happen.

- Jimmy Baca, Deputy Ambassador

Trust me, it's not nearly as boring as that farming thing that LAE did some time ago, heck I still keep a copy of that one by my bed to use as an insomnia cure.

Bob Flibble
WA Representative

President Jerzy "Jay" Novakovich of the united Socialist States of Jaynova, West Pacific, takes the floor:

"Comrades of the World Assembly,

As advances in transportation and communication have made this world seemingly smaller, each nation's health becomes more and more of an international issue. I urge those nations who abstain on the grounds that they have no benefit in such a resolution take another look. By sharing your understanding of diseases and methods of prevention, you could stop the spread of said diseases in other countries. As a part of the international community, you are affected by what happens in other countries, whether you admit it or not. A pandemic can destroy the world economy, and a disease that may not be a problem in your country could kill one of your citizens if he or she were traveling in a country whose health standards were inferior to your own. It's as we say in Jaynova: 'Весь мир только село.' In other words, we're all in this together.

The United Socialist States of Jaynova vote FOR this resolution.

Thank you."


The Lay-Z Delegate 9000™ hummed into operation as it slowly raised itself into the air and began to passes around the chamber. Zarquon rose from his seat and began to address the assembly while making laps above the members heads.

To the USSJ, we would vote in favor of this proposal if we were not already in compliance, but seeing as we have since left the ideals outlined in this document in our dust several decades ago, there is no need for us to limit ourselves to those stipulations which are mentioned. Furthermore, we simply don't like the idea of our medical knowledge roaming freely throughout the world where it can come into the hands of corrupt nations that may in fact use said technology for profiteering as we beleive medicine should be free and that no single entity should have authority to place a price on oe's well being. This is something that we staunchy object to, and will have no part in advocating. As such, we will not hinder nor will we promote this proposal which we feel may lead to those ends that I have mentioned.

If it should pass, we will comply, if it should fail we will continue to trade our medical technology with those nations we feel are trustworthy and not in this for economic gain.

Therefore, Zarquon Froods shall remain abstained.

From the office of His Majesty The King

Fellow members of the WA,

After reading the at-vote proposal, I feel compelled to vote for it. Since the time of my great-great-great-great grandfather, King Emmanuel I, our country has been at the mercy of horrible healthcare, no matter if you were a subject or part of the royal family. From pandemics to high mortality rates for infants (of which my great-grandmother and the most recent ancestor of my family was almost part of when she was born), we have seen almost everything. The last 60 years have been good to us, and I feel that we owe it to those nations that have third-world healthcare to have a chance at first-world treatment.

On behalf of my subjects, the Kingdom of Santos Rivera and San Guillermo duly votes FOR this resolution.

May the Lord be with you,
Michael the First
King of Santos Rivera and San Guillermo

Sorry folks, I cannot even muster up the will to offer my vote for sale. Insted I'm going to abstain. Then I'm going to find a couple of catgirls with loose and negotiable virtue, and play 'Ride the Kinky Pony'. See you in the funny papers.
Excelsior,
Senator Horatio Sulla

The act is too authoritative.

This act should be voted. I have already voted for it, but the reasons why are simple, and these are not repeats-

1) Many nations have less-than-perfect health systems, and this act would effectively boost healthcare in those nations, making people live longer lives.
2)This act would help your economy as well, indirectly. An effective healthcare system would create jobs in that field, and people can retire later if they have healthier lives, which can stimulate the economy.
3)Still need a third reason? How about that your citizens will be happy if they know that if they get a heart attack, theres a hospital right around the corner.

The act is too authoritative.
Given that the only thing this act mandates is the formation of the WHA, we find this objection somewhat curious.

This act should be voted. I have already voted for it, but the reasons why are simple, and these are not repeats-

1) Many nations have less-than-perfect health systems, and this act would effectively boost healthcare in those nations, making people live longer lives.
Those nations which already take healthcare seriously will benefit from this act, of that we have no doubt. The enabling power of the WHA will allow best practice to be disseminated, providing better directed healthcare to be more effectively directed where it will do the most good.

Our fear is that those nations with what the honoured ambassador politely characterises as less-than-perfect health systems will have no interest in the advice of the WHA, and will continue to ignore the urgings of the WA as regards the health of their citizenry, who will thus benefit not at all.

We abstain.

The nation of Uswsille is concerned that very much like the WA, the World Health Authority may be at risk of being manipulated in ways that would serve certain parties' agendas more than others. Unconventional (or even certain competing brands) remedies/medicines may be voted as 'global health threats' and be replaced by expensive alternatives etc.

health and hygiene are all good
but do we really have to force governments to set up agencies to make sure that their people stay healthy?

The problem with this resolution is that it will allow the WA to extend its jurisdiction to non WA members. Non members should not have to abide by the rules of the WA if they choose not to. I urge other members of the WA to vote AGAINST the resolution.

The resolution claims correctly that all nations should be concerned with health of the people. As nations vote, please carefully read the content of the resolution and remember how the system works. It is impossible to subject non-WA members to the content of these resolutions. As a group of the nations of the world, I hope everyone moves to educate the nations not appart of this organization.

Thank you World Assembly. The People of Ntukubuntu send their blessings.

Chamb Eki
Ntukubuntu Minister to the World Assembly

It passes! Belarum has done it despite concerns. We lowered our taxes over the past few days so this resolution will only have the effect in taxes as we had a few days ago.

We have prepared a headquarters in the beloved tourist destination, the city of Harpis, for the segment of the WHA that will be active in our nation. We look forward to working closely with them!

The entirety of the Sacred Eternal Procession of Subistratica applauds the passage of this bill. The construction of the building that will house our branch of the WHA is under construction as we speak.

Uh, we already built ours while the UN equivalent was dominant: we could simply move the new WHA back in that building.

The Grand Duchy of Arzakon, although not an assembly member, approves the WHA creation, always having been concerned about world health, and will share its medical research, especially the recent and important ones about Malaria.