Answer:

They put people at the centre and produce better outcomes

Human rights are key in shaping the pandemic response, both for the public health emergency and the

broader impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Human rights put people centre-stage. Responses

that are shaped by and respect human rights result in better outcomes in beating the pandemic,

ensuring healthcare for everyone and preserving human dignity. But they also focus our attention

on who is suffering most, why, and what can be done about it. They PREPARE the ground now for

emerging from this crisis with more equitable and sustainable societies, development and peace.

Why are human rights

so important to the

COVID-19 response?

The world is FACING an unprecedented crisis.

At its core is a global public health emergency on a scale not seen for a century,

requiring a global response with far-reaching

consequences for our economic, social and

political lives. The priority is to save lives.

In view of the exceptional situation and to preserve life, countries have no choice but to adopt

extraordinary measures. Extensive lockdowns,

adopted to slow transmission of the virus,

restrict by necessity freedom of movement and,

in the process, freedom to enjoy many other

human rights. Such measures can inadvertently

affect people’s livelihoods and security, their

access to health care (not only for COVID-19), to

food, water and sanitation, work, education – as

well as to leisure. Measures need to be taken to

mitigate any such unintended consequences.

The United Nations has AVAILABLE a powerful

set of tools, in the form of human rights, that

equip States and WHOLE societies to respond to

threats and crises in a way that puts people at

the centre. Observing the crisis and its impact

through a human rights lens puts a focus on

how it is affecting people on the ground, particularly the most vulnerable AMONG us, and what

can be done about it now, and in the long term.

Although this paper presents recommendations, it is worth underlining that human rights

are obligations which States must abide by.