More than 230 political parties, including the Communist Party of China, have called for closer international cooperation against COVID-19 pandemic it has posed serious challenge to the humanity and world peace.
The first joint appeal from political parties seeking international cooperation since coronavirus outbreak was made through an open letter issued on Thursday. In Bangladesh, the joint letter was disseminated by Communist Party of Bangladesh (M-L) General Secretary Dilip Barua on Friday, said a press release.
The political parties said they issued the joint appeal considering ongoing unprecedented situation as they have the responsibility to improve people’s wellbeing and to promote national development, world peace and stability.
In the beginning of the letter, the political parties paid rich tribute to all, health workers in particular, who devote themselves to saving lives and protecting people’s health. They also expressed deep mourning for the unfortunate loss of lives in the outbreak.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies and solicitude to those who are suffering from pain and whose lives are under the threat of COVID-19 as well as the bereaved families of those deceased,” the political parties said.
They urged the countries to put the lives, safety and health of the people above everything else and take resolute and forceful measures to put an end to the spread of COVID-19 as it could affect economic and social development of most countries.
The parties suggested use of modern science and technology to ensure the best possible results in quickest time and adoption of emergency plans and strategies for combating COVID-19.
They also put equal emphasis on containing the further spread and on ensuring patient treatment.
“We call on the general public of all countries to comply with prevention and mitigation measures with a due sense of social responsibility,” the joint letter said, adding that all countries should fully leverage the strength of civil society organisations and volunteers to unleash the power of all social sectors to combat COVID-19.
They encouraged all countries to adopt an integrated approach to ensure economic and social development, take targeted measures to protect vulnerable groups and the SMEs, and honour their commitment to people’s living standards and social progress.
“We call on all countries to step up the international coordination of macroeconomic policies to maintian stability of global financial market as well as that of industrial and supply chains, and to reduce or exempt tariffs for trade facilitation so as to prevent world economic recession,” according to the joint letter.
The parties said countries should maintain an appropriate level of international exchanges, in particular to facilitate the cross-border transportation of urgently needed medical equipment and protective materials for the fight against COVID-19.
They urged China and some other countries, who achieved the significant progress in the fight against COVID-19, to share experience on response and patient treatment, and in particular providing medical and other supplies to the best of their ability to other affected countries.
The parties welcomed the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit Statement on COVID-19 and support countries to strengthen the sharing of experience and medical cooperation in containing the outbreak, including joint research and development of specific medicines, vaccines and tests.
The joint statement also called for science-based professional discussions on issues like prevention measures and the origin of the virus and opposed the politicisation of public health issues and the stigmatisation of other countries under the excuse of COVID-19.
“We stand firmly against all discriminatory comments and practices against any country, region or ethnic group, and call on governments of all countries to take proactive measures to protect the health, safety and legitimate interests of foreign nationals and students they host,” the statement said.
The parties sought coordination and cooperation within the framework of the G20 and other international mechanisms for effective international prevention and control as to build a global community with a shared future for public health.
“The COVID-19 outbreak has laid bare the need for all countries to further foster the global governance outlook of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration and to support the leading role of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation in global public health governance,” the joint open letter said.
They expressed hope that the world will get final victory against COVID-19 if the international community makes concerted efforts with confidence and resolve and takes a science-based and targeted approach.