Scope of Compulsory License and Government Use of Patented Medicines
To meet public health needs governments can use compulsory licenses and government use as a tool for procurement and import of patented medicines. These mechanisms are provided for in most laws worldwide. The WTO TRIPS Agreement, as reaffirmed by the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health, recognises the right of WTO members to grant compulsory licenses and their freedom to determine the grounds upon which such licenses may be granted.
This table provides information of instances of their use.
Advancing National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance amidst Health Financing Challenges
By Afreenish Amir
The South Centre held a webinar on advancing national action plans (NAPs) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) amidst health financial challenges, on 20 March 2025. The webinar brought together various national focal point leads for NAPs on AMR and international experts.
Contribución del Centro Sur al Informe del Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas sobre la aplicación de la Resolución A/RES/79/7 de la Asamblea General sobre la “Necesidad de poner fin al bloqueo económico, comercial y financiero impuesto por los Estados Unidos de América contra Cuba”
Esta contribución del Centro Sur se presenta en respuesta a la solicitud del Secretario General como un aporte al informe del Secretario General de acuerdo a la resolución A/RES/79/7, con respecto a la imposición de medidas económicas, financieras y comerciales unilaterales por parte de los Estados Unidos de América, contra Cuba, en violación de los principios básicos de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas y el Derecho Internacional.
Unifying Efforts against Antimicrobial Resistance: Supporting Collective Efforts During WAAW 2024
By Francesca Chiara
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is an escalating global health challenge, demanding urgent and coordinated efforts. During World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024, 27 impactful projects targeting more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America amplified the theme “Educate, Advocate, Act Now.” The projects were selected by the South Centre for funding, with support of the United Kingdom Fleming Fund. This is the third year this financial support is offered to selected Civil Society Organization (CSO) projects, based on a call for applications.
These initiatives directly reached over 3000 individuals through training sessions, workshops, and targeted advocacy campaigns. Many more were engaged through social media and grassroots activities. This overview highlights the transformative impact of these campaigns.
Inputs to Inform the Thematic Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change to the Human Rights Council 59th session
South Centre
February 2025
The South Centre calls for a Just Transition away from fossil fuels, centering the rights of marginalized communities & the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
Inputs to the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development Study on Climate Justice, Sustainability, and the Right to Development
February 2025
The South Centre inputs to the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development Study on Climate Justice, Sustainability, and the Right to Development makes a call for upholding Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC) in ensuring a just transition, protecting the human rights of the most affected populations and reforming Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms that threaten climate action.
Input on the update to the technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the elimination of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity pursuant to HRC resolution 54/16
February 2025
Maternal mortality is a global crisis. The South Centre input calls for urgent action: addressing intersectional discrimination, improving the quality of care, and tackling root causes like poverty, and to guarantee that every woman has access to a safe childbirth.
REPORT ON ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP AND AMRSURVEILLANCE: INSIGHTS FROM THE SOUTH CENTRE WAAW 2024 WEBINAR
By Dr Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy
How can we enhance antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in resource-limited settings?
The South Centre World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 Webinar Report highlights barriers, innovative digital tools, and global strategies to combat AMR effectively.
Submission by the South Centre to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Inputs for the comprehensive report on ensuring access to medicines, vaccines and other health products (HRC resolution 50/13)
January 2025
The South Centre has provided input for the OHCHR report on new developments and challenges in ensuring access to medicines, vaccines and other health products.
Combatting overcompliance with unilateral coercive measures – Discussions from South Centre Consultation
By Yuefen Li and Danish
In view of the severe negative impacts of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) on targeted countries and the international community, and at the request of South Centre Member States, the South Centre organized a meeting on 18 November 2024 with the participation of senior diplomats from a number of developing countries, several of whom have been targeted by UCMs. The meeting focused on the trends and main drivers of overcompliance with UCMs among multinational firms and financial institutions, and the strategies that can be employed to mitigate overcompliance, especially in relation to humanitarian exemptions.
South Centre inputs to the Secretary-General’s synthesis report on opportunities, best practices, actionable solutions, challenges and barriers relevant to a just transition and the full realisation of human rights for all people
December 2024
A just transition requires urgent action! The South Centre calls for increased climate finance, reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), and upholding Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC) to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
