Scenario G: A case to debate on an epidemic

Independent media in the State of Itneconni report about a new infectious virus called ANOROC-20, which allegedly originated from the poor neighbouring country Mulam and is now spreading within and beyond both States. The severe consequences of the disease have created a mass panic since the virus leads to the death of around 20% of those infected but is difficult to detect due to an incubation period of 20 days.

A vaccination against ANOROC-20 is not yet fully tested but will be rolled out shortly in Itneconni. The leader of A-Religion, which has around 10,000 followers both in Mulam and Itneconni, has been criticized for his lack of transparency in dealing with the virus. During an international pilgrimage by 500 followers of A-Religion who performed ritual washing ceremonies in the border river, the virus ANOROC-20 was reportedly brought to Itneconni. For fear of repercussions, the leader of A-Religion did initially not want to disclose any information on attendees, citing their right to privacy, and also refused to be tested himself concerning a possible infection with ANOROC-20. He also claimed that believing in A-Religion would protect against getting infected and he strongly opposed cremation and any vaccination because the latter would alter the body’s blood system which is considered sacred by the holy scripture of A-Religion. After receiving some threats via social media, however, he agreed to be tested for ANOROC-20, which turned out to be negative.

The Prime Minister of Itneconni has ordered the closure of his country’s borders to Mulam, while nationals of Itneconni are still allowed to return home if they self-quarantine for three weeks. However, followers of A-Religion are held in closed mandatory confinement centers, even if they want and can go back to Mulam. The Prime Minister’s emergency order also declared that “in view of obvious public health and safety concerns, it is compulsory that all followers of A-Religion are treated with the new vaccination against ANOROC-20.” It also imposed cremation as the only option for handling the bodies confirmed or suspected of ANOROC-20.

The leader of B-Religion, which constitutes the vast majority of Itneconni’s religious demography, stated in an interview broadcasted by the public TV that “All members of the shameful ‘A-sect’ should either go back where they belong to or be imprisoned if these insects dare to remain in Itneconni”. Furthermore, he claimed without any further proof that the transmission of the virus during the international pilgrimage of A-Religion had happened due to a funeral service where all followers allegedly kissed the coffin of a deceased person.

The followers of A-Religion, who publicly wear the insignia of their religion (a small necklace with an “A”), are being verbally harassed and even physically attacked in Itneconni, without intervention by the police.

Questions: 

A sample of questions related to this case (see also modules 5, 6, 16 and 17) could include the following:

• What are the reprehensible acts and statements by the leaders of A-Religion and B-Religion?
• How does the order of the Prime Minister of Itneconni violate international human rights law?

A tip for facilitators

The facilitator may wish to refer to the op-ed by UN High Commissioners Filippo Grandi and Michelle Bachelet concerning the coronavirus outbreak as a test of our systems, values and humanity (10 March 2020): “When fear and uncertainty kick in, scapegoats are never far away. We have already seen anger and hostility directed at some people of east Asian origin. If left unchecked, the urge to blame and exclude may soon extend to other groups – minorities, the marginalised or anyone labelled ‘foreigner’. […] Ceding space to rumour, fear mongering and hysteria will not only hamper the response but may have broader implications for human rights, the functioning of accountable, democratic institutions. No country today can wall itself off from the impact of the coronavirus, both in the literal sense and – as falling stock markets and closed schools demonstrate – economically and socially. An international response that ensures that developing countries are equipped to diagnose, treat and prevent this disease will be crucial to safeguarding the health of billions of people.”