Human rights must be 'front and centre'

Besides all, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has significantly impacted human rights and people’s right to freedom, mobility and livelihood. Across the world, the human rights situation is undergoing profound changes in countries with people’s participation. “The pandemic has reinforced fundamental truths about human rights,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres He made an observation that human rights violations harm us all.

COVID-19 made this year challenging for human rights. The world cannot go back to the old school of thought of progress and change. The new normal is an inclusive and sustainable way to rebuild a future based on equal rights. “People and their rights must be front and centre of response and recovery. We need universal, rights-based frameworks like health coverage for all, to beat this pandemic and protect us for the future,” the UN chief made the appeal in his message on the occasion of Human Rights Day.

Today’s crisis has been a wake-up call for the world and exposed the harsh reality of nature, health, society and governance. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups including frontline workers, people with disabilities, older people, women and girls, and minorities. It has thrived because poverty, inequality, discrimination, the destruction of our natural environment and human right failures have created enormous fragilities in our societies”, he said.  

Juxtapose, the human rights are universal, underscoring how effective pandemic response must be based on solidarity and cooperation.  António Guterres stressed that divisive approaches, authoritarianism and nationalism make no sense against a global threat. He said, “Let’s resolve to act collectively, with human rights front and centre, to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build a better future for all.” 

- S.R.Ranjan 

(Singh Rakesh Ranjan)

Freelance Journalist

(Representational images: source)