Human rights defenders in the face of COVID-19
16 June 2020 3:57 pm

🔎 A human rights lens puts everyone in the picture and ensures that no one is left behind in the worst public health crisis in a generation. The work of those who stand up for rights is more crucial than ever. However, the #COVID19 pandemic has heightened the dangers for human rights defenders. Defenders face repercussions for raising the alarm on #humanrights abuses arising from the pandemic. Those in power misuse public health response measures to intimidate and silence defenders. Since the onset of the pandemic, FORUM-ASIA has documented COVID-19 related violations against defenders. An alarming trend quickly became apparent: On average, four cases of attacks against defenders were recorded every week across 16 Asian countries. But actual numbers are likely to be higher. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

🔎 A human rights lens puts everyone in the picture and ensures that no one is left behind in the worst public health crisis in a generation. The work of those who stand up for rights is more crucial than ever. However, the #COVID19 pandemic has heightened the dangers for human rights defenders. Defenders face repercussions for raising the alarm on #humanrights abuses arising from the pandemic. Those in power misuse public health response measures to intimidate and silence defenders. Since the onset of the pandemic, FORUM-ASIA has documented COVID-19 related violations against defenders. An alarming trend quickly became apparent: On average, four cases of attacks against defenders were recorded every week across 16 Asian countries. But actual numbers are likely to be higher. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

🔎 A human rights lens puts everyone in the picture and ensures that no one is left behind in the worst public health crisis in a generation. The work of those who stand up for rights is more crucial than ever. However, the #COVID19 pandemic has heightened the dangers for human rights defenders. Defenders face repercussions for raising the alarm on #humanrights abuses arising from the pandemic. Those in power misuse public health response measures to intimidate and silence defenders. Since the onset of the pandemic, FORUM-ASIA has documented COVID-19 related violations against defenders. An alarming trend quickly became apparent: On average, four cases of attacks against defenders were recorded every week across 16 Asian countries. But actual numbers are likely to be higher. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

The work of #humanrights defenders is essential in ensuring governments provide accessible and reliable information in a fair and transparent manner throughout the #COVID19 pandemic. Defenders also keep check that government measures, especially those that infringe on fundamental rights ‒ such as the freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of movement ‒ are strictly proportional and necessary. FORUM-ASIA’s documentation since the onset of the pandemic shows that: Defenders have been targeted for exercising these rights, or for raising the alarm and demanding action when government measures were damaging or inadequate. Swipe to find out what types of repercussions defenders were subjected to in COVID-19 related violations. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

The work of #humanrights defenders is essential in ensuring governments provide accessible and reliable information in a fair and transparent manner throughout the #COVID19 pandemic. Defenders also keep check that government measures, especially those that infringe on fundamental rights ‒ such as the freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of movement ‒ are strictly proportional and necessary. FORUM-ASIA’s documentation since the onset of the pandemic shows that: Defenders have been targeted for exercising these rights, or for raising the alarm and demanding action when government measures were damaging or inadequate. Swipe to find out what types of repercussions defenders were subjected to in COVID-19 related violations. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

The work of #humanrights defenders is essential in ensuring governments provide accessible and reliable information in a fair and transparent manner throughout the #COVID19 pandemic. Defenders also keep check that government measures, especially those that infringe on fundamental rights ‒ such as the freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of movement ‒ are strictly proportional and necessary. FORUM-ASIA’s documentation since the onset of the pandemic shows that: Defenders have been targeted for exercising these rights, or for raising the alarm and demanding action when government measures were damaging or inadequate. Swipe to find out what types of repercussions defenders were subjected to in COVID-19 related violations. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

Human Rights Defenders carry out legitimate work to promote and protect a variety of fundamental rights. Journalists and media workers were the most affected group of defenders for reporting issues of corruption in #COVID19 aid distribution, unveiling discrepancies in figures published by governments and uncovering poor transparency in pandemic response policies. Community-based defenders, women human rights defenders, NGOs and NGO staff have been targeted for providing support to marginalised groups. Environmental and indigenous peoples' rights defenders faced reprisals for demanding government action at grassroots levels and the suspension of extractive activities. Since the onset of the pandemic, FORUM-ASIA's documentation shows that these are the most targeted groups of defenders throughout the public health crisis. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic

FORUM-ASIA’s documentation reveals that: States have been the primary perpetrators of attacks against individuals and groups who stand up for rights during the #COVID19 pandemic. Non-state actors such as corporations and extremist groups were also involved in rights violations.

Those in power must recognise that #humanrights defence is an essential activity during times of emergency. Human rights responses can help beat the #pandemic, and defenders are paving the way forward towards more resilient and inclusive societies. By protecting #HumanRightsDefenders, we stand a better chance at mitigating the harshest impact of an unprecedented global health crisis. #StandWithDefenders #RightsInPandemic