International Health Regulations (IHR)

The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) govern international cooperation to control any events (natural, deliberate or accidental) which pose a threat to public health (infectious diseases, biological or chemical agents, ionising radiation). They also provide a regulatory framework for WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). One of the main objectives of the IHR is to combat the global spread of infectious diseases without unnecessarily restricting the free movement of persons and goods.

Global entry-into-effect and adoption in Switzerland

The IHR in their revised edition of 2005 came into force at international level on 15 June 2007. The Swiss Federal Council approved the regulations without any reservations, and designated the FOPH’s Communicable Diseases Division as Switzerland’s focal point. The revised Epidemics Act has incorporated the IHR (2005) since 2016, and governs their application in Switzerland.

Amendments to the IHR

On 1 June 2024 the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted amendments to the IHR (2005) by consensus. Switzerland actively engaged in the negotiations, effectively advocating for its interests. The amendments were negotiated by the Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (WGIHR), comprising representatives from the 196 IHR State Parties. All pertinent official documentation related to this process is accessible on the website of WHO.

The outcomes of the negotiations include the strengthening of the core capacities for the prevention, preparedness and response to public health emergencies, the establishment of an additional level of alert, an improved exchange between States Parties and WHO, as well as the strengthening of international collaboration.

While the adoption of the amendments by the WHA is a crucial step, it does not automatically bind Switzerland to their implementation. The Swiss government will undertake a thorough review process in accordance with its national procedures and constitutional and legal framework to determine whether to accept or reject these amendments.Relevant experts are currently conducting a comprehensive analysis of the adopted amendments to ascertain their precise implications for both the Swiss Confederation and its cantons.

Switzerland will continue to retains full sovereignty over its own health policy and over the measures required during a PHEIC, as well as during a pandemic.

In Switzerland, fundamental rights are protected at all times by the Federal Constitution and by international law – in particular the European Convention on Human rights. Switzerland does not enter into any international treaties that would violate these fundamental rights.