A petition signed by over 2.7 million people from around the world calling for universal access to affordable Covid-19 vaccines was recently received by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
It was delivered by Avaaz, an online activist network, and the People’s Vaccine Alliance, a coalition of organizations. The petition brings together the work of more than 40 organizations worldwide, including the Online Progressive Engagement Network (OPEN), Public Citizen, Frontline AIDS, Amnesty International, Oxfam, SumOfUs and the European Citizens’ Initiative for No Profit on Pandemic.
The handover took place the day before a meeting of the Council for Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), where WTO members continue discussions on a revised proposal to waive certain obligations in the TRIPS Agreement in relation to the prevention, containment or treatment of Covid-19.
The WTO's Head of External Relations, Bernard Kuiten, said: “The WTO is very appreciative of the time and dedication that Avaaz and others continue to give to this important issue. The WTO needs to be aware of citizens' views and concerns with trade matters that could directly affect them. Avaaz and others are helping to raise awareness about access to vaccines and their vital role in ensuring a global solution to the Covid-19 crisis,” he said.
The original version of the petition, signed by over 900,000 individuals, was delivered to the WTO on 9 December 2020. The updated petition, with over 2 million signatures, has been supported by a variety of influential public figures.
