Author(s) :

Olamilekan O. Adebanjo.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Thomas Hobbes’ Social Contract Theory, in the context of international law, explains the significance of checks on the actions and omissions of sovereign states by legal principles mutually acceded to. This philosophical backdrop stands out for its overwhelming emphasis on the enthusiastic submission of sovereign states to legal obligations and their legal responsibility in cases of breach. The world currently embattles the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant disruptions. Reinvigorated by the concealment of critical information by the Chinese government, there have been attempts to attribute a legal responsibility to China for several wrongful acts which largely limited the capacity of other nations to inhibit the spread of the virus. Considering China’s legal obligations under relevant international law and critically examining whether China was in breach of her obligations, this article provides theoretical support for China’s liability while illustrating the practical loopholes in legally enforcing responsibility on the world power. Keywords: COVID-19, International responsibility, China, International Health Regulations

No. of Downloads :

10