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9 Mar 2020 3:08pm

UN urges States to put human rights first as COVID-19 spreads

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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet proposed on Friday i.e. 6th March 2020, that international authorities put "front and centre" in the fight against the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. As the virus spreads, Bachelet acknowledged the negative impact on people's lives, noting that “people who are already barely surviving economically, may all too easily be pushed over the edge by measures being adopted to contain the virus.

Bachelet, a former physician, further identified a "balancing act" between reacting vigorously to COVID-19 and protecting those who are most economically and medically vulnerable in society. Among other threats to human rights, the virus is likely to cause loss of wages for schools that have closed, either from self-isolation or childcare. Missing pay or a career missing can have far-reaching negative consequences for the economically disadvantaged.

Bachelet admitted that States have very little precedent in "uncharted territory" to direct their response to COVID-19. She called for international solidarity and distribution of funds for social protection. Bachelet also discussed the growing problem of xenophobia internationally, urging foreign authorities to resolve those events and to ensure access to treatment for all people.


Tagged: human rights UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet coronavirus COVID-19 Virus
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