Human rights around the world have suffered and encountered unprecedented challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. While certain States are addressing the health crisis in an organized and a concerted effort, something the UN Special Rapporteur commends, he expresses his concern on alarming news from online dialogues with civil society around the world. These consultations reveal worrying trends and limitations with regards to human rights, including on civil society’s ability to ensure a much-needed effective response in the fight against Covid-19.
The Special Rapporteur has repeatedly stressed the critical role of civil society in addressing the health crisis and calls on States to include them as strategic partners in the fight against Covid-19, rather than imposing restrictive legislation resulting in a further closure of civic space.
The Special Rapporteur is working together with different stakeholders to address the challenges that the health threat poses to the safeguarding of human rights. He does this by issuing statements to States, and by providing actionable recommendations for states, civil society and other stakeholders on how to secure human rights in the face of this pandemic.
