In an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, it is necessary to protect the population from the "side" effects of measures. This called for the UN high Commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet. She recalled the need to put at the forefront of human rights and human dignity.
"As a physician I understand the need for various measures to combat COVID-19, but as man, a former head of the government, I understand how difficult it is to maintain a balance, taking difficult decisions, said Bachelet. But all our attempts to defeat the virus will do nothing until we realize the importance of a holistic approach to this fight, that is necessary to protect the most vulnerable and powerless members of society – both from a medical and from an economic point of view."
we are Talking about the poor, the disabled and people in remote rural areas, people with chronic diseases and older persons – both single and located in special establishments.
According to the high Commissioner, quarantines and other restrictive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, must not violate international norms of human rights and conform to the level of threat. She added that any steps have an impact on people's lives.
for Example, according to UNESCO, 290 million children do not go to school because of epidemic of the novel coronavirus. This means that many parents – primarily women - have to leave work and stay home with the kids.
Those who cannot go to work due to quarantine, you could lose earnings and even of the work itself. Despite the fact that the emphasis is on containment of the epidemic, people with other diseases can be without proper medical attention. And disruption of trade and movement restrictions cause serious damage to private business, especially small and medium enterprises.
the high Commissioner noted with appreciation that a number of governments and international organizations are already taking measures to mitigate the economic and social consequences of the fight against the virus.
According to Bachelet, "we found ourselves in a completely new situation", and COVID-19 countries - is a "test of strength". "We have to adapt and learn along the way, she said, but human dignity and human rights must be at the centre of our attention".
the Main UN human rights activist called on to provide treatment to all who need it – regardless of the financial possibilities of the person or his nationality. There is also an accessible and understandable form to explain to citizens what is the new coronavirus and how to protect yourself from it, not forgetting about people with limited vision and hearing and those who can't read.
"I also call on the authorities of the countries where got COVID-19, to pay attention to signs of xenophobia and stigmatization, and to take appropriate steps," said Bachelet. According to her, openness and transparency will not only strengthen people's trust to the authorities, but will also help to counter the misinformation that often creates fear and prejudice.
