Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-Sunday 22 March 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]
The
events of this year alone, starting with the bushfires in Australia and
moving to the outbreak of COVID-19, underscored the ever-growing
complexity of our global shared challenges and expose the weaknesses of
the current dominant economic system, and how it deepens inequalities
between individuals and countries. We ask that G20 leaders recognize our
new global reality and reorient this year’s G20 priorities towards
building a more resilient global governance.
G20 leaders
need to uphold the principles of human rights, civic engagement, and
democracy. As the crisis develops, the C20 observes with great alarm the
continued deterioration of the situation for many vulnerable groups in
different societies. Governments must protect and extend medical care to
all people without leaving anyone behind.
The infodemic
surrounding the disease is equally fatal to the virus. The C20 stands
in solidarity with communities suffering as a result of different
governments’ lack of transparency. Governments are accountable in their
response to the crisis, and work on empowering local communities and
civil society actors in responding to the outbreak.
We can learn
from previous public health emergencies the importance of quality care
continuum, protection of human rights, anti-discrimination and isolation
of people living with the diseases and affected communities. COVID-19
is a sobering reminder that we need to increase investment in what we
know works: strong international partnerships, building health care
delivery systems that reach everyone, research and development, and an
approach to care that prioritizes the most marginalized. The C20 urges
that G20 leaders consider the recommendations in the statement on pandemic preparedness released jointly with the Business 20, Labor 20, Think 20, Women 20 and Youth 20.
Another
emerging lesson out of this emergency, is that hyper-globalization of
our supply chains is making our trade systems extremely vulnerable to
shocks. The C20 cautions G20 leaders against the ongoing attempts in
trade agreement negotiations to open “health markets” to foreign
investors and competition, turning health systems into yet another
investment opportunity. We worry that the divide between those who can
afford healthcare and those who cannot will be exacerbated.
The C20 warns
that inequalities will ensue as a consequence of the outbreak. Labor
policies need to be put in place to address the needs of the most
vulnerable, who cannot afford to sit at home, and prepare for the
expected rise in working poverty, especially in countries with a high
informal economy, where women are over-represented.
The world is
in need of multilateral coordination of an effective response to the
economic crisis that provides adequate fiscal and monetary stimulus,
while safeguarding liquidity from misuse by speculative activities. A
fairly designed stimulus package should take into account not only the
interest of businesses and SMEs, but also households, workers, and the
most vulnerable.
A problem
with multiple dimensions requires a solution by multiple actors. Members
of Civil Society and humanitarian NGOs continue to face tightened
financial restrictions due to risk and cost aversion by banks in
complying with FATF regulations. Such financial exclusion limits our
ability to respond to global emergencies.
We implore
the G20 Leaders to take immediate action in responding to the
substantial impact on education and the dwindling prospects of ensuring
access. The world is entirely unequipped to maintain a promise of
“education for all”; particularly in contexts where classrooms can no
longer provide a safe environment for learning.
The C20 calls
on G20 leaders to expand this year’s G20 priorities to vigilantly
respond to the changes in the labor market through expanding social
protection systems, ensure digital and eLearning is accessible across,
prioritize child online safety, address arising risks to debt
sustainability in Emerging Markets as they face urgent financing needs
to improve health systems capacity to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak,
including debt relief and attending to their exposure to volatile
capital flows.
Civil Society 20 (C20) is
one of the eight official Engagement Groups of the G20. It provides a
platform of Civil Society Organizations around the world to bring forth a
non-government and non-business voice.
Contacts
Daliah Albouri
d.albouri@kkf.org.sa
+966-599837474
