IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON HUMAN RIGHTS

In the present condition, of the ongoing pandemic of corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19), there is a worldwide unrest. The pandemic has resulted in social and economic disruption, giving rise to global recession. Food security, public health and employment, labour issues, in particular- workers health and safety, protection of labour rights, are the matters require particular attention. Similarly, special attention also must be paid to the situations of women, children, disabled persons, aged people, Dalits, basically the marginalized classes. Different forms of support for shelter, food relief, employment retention is very important. In designing and implementing such measures it is essential that government works with utmost care in protecting the human rights of the individuals, sometimes the government is required to take certain extreme steps which may eliminate the individual’s rights to freedom of movement and association, as when the mandates of public health require measures like quarantine in the interest of the greater population. History too has such examples where stringent measures to curb the epidemic taken by the authority were overthrown by the general people (Rand case, Pune, 1897). Such situations need a delicate hand. Many Human rights documents acknowledge this need for extreme measures, but prioritize public health only as a method of last resort. Message of UN Secretary General Antonio Gutters,” The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency, it is an economic crisis, social crisis and a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis “Human Rights responses can help beat the pandemic, putting a focus on the imperative of healthcare for everyone. The world has witnessed many such pandemics. Covid 19 is just one type; we have got a small experience. It is a need of an hour to preserve human life and sustain it. In the face of crisis, we must lead with science and humanity.