Global health emergencies, such as the most recent 2020 COVID Pandemic, require a well-coordinated worldwide response. International law gives a foundation that helps countries work together and share information to protect the public. The primary legal framework is the International Health Regulations (IHR), which is a legal binder designed to help prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats that have the potential to affect populations worldwide.
The International Health Regulations (IHR)
It was first adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1969. It is the cornerstone of international law in public health emergencies. The most current version was adopted in 2005 and enforced from 2007. The IHR binds all 196 WHO member states to two main goals:
Core public health capacities
Countries must develop systems and procedures to monitor, test, and respond promptly to public health threats.
Prompt emergency notification
When a country identifies a disease that could be of concern to the international population, It known as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC). They must therefore notify WHO as soon as possible. This move initiates coordinated action, expert guidance, and support from the global community.
State Obligations Under International Law
Although international law demands prompt and sincere reports, the interests of the nation at times stand in the way of the quality of the report. Nations may not want to publish about disease outbreaks because of potential economic loss, travel prohibitions and panic. States have the right to control their own borders and public health policies; they are also expected to act for the good of global health. However, striking this balance is not always easy.
International Law Enforcement

The IHR, in contrast to common laws, does not give penalties. Rather, they rely on collective action and transparency among member countries.
WHO established the Joint External Evaluations (JEEs) to assist countries in evaluating their readiness to respond to a health crisis in the population. JEES are independent expert teams that make evaluations of a country in terms of its capabilities to detect, prevent, and respond to public health risks. They give recommendations and reports to the governments on how they can reinforce their health system.
Additionally, every country makes an Annual IHR report where they share their progress and challenges in implementing the IHR requirements, contributing to transparency and a sense of accountability among countries.
Altogether, both JEEs and annual reporting contribute to the establishment of an atmosphere of responsibility and preparedness, without the introduction of strict legal control.
COVID-19: A Real-World Test

The pandemic has been the greatest challenge to the international health law since its latest revision in 2005.
On 30 January 2020, WHO classified COVID-19 as a PHEIC. This was done to portray the urgent and coherent effort required to tackle the disease.
Most of the countries enforced travel restrictions, lockdowns, and border restrictions without scientific backing, despite the guidelines of the WHO, thereby acting contrary to IHR recommendations. The level of report transparency was poor, with little to no enforcement. Such actions also generated major human rights issues.
Human Right Issues
Personal freedoms often have to be restricted in cases of public health emergencies, and international law emphasises that when this happens, measures must be legal and necessary, justified and not arbitrary. Strict scientific evidence and a legal basis should be provided to back quarantines and lockdowns.
Individuals who have been restricted should have access to remedies, such as legal appeals (courts) and human rights complaints at either a national or international level. It is necessary to approach health rights issues fairly by ensuring the respect of human rights.
What is Next? Reform.
COVID‑19 highlighted major gaps, and therefore, reforms are needed. The reform should include improved reporting systems and assistance to low and middle-income countries.
Proposals are currently underway to make another pandemic treaty, which would supplement gaps in the existing legal framework. Issues such as equal access to vaccines and more effective enforcement among nations would also be addressed.
The aim is to establish a better and humanitarian response system to a global emergency.
Final Thoughts
International law forms the core of the global reaction to international health concerns. Even though the IHR has structure and guidance, it can only be successful when there is trust, cooperation, and respect for human rights. COVID-19 not only tested the system but also provided an opportunity to reform it. With stronger frameworks or new frameworks, the world can get to prepare in a better way.