COVID-19 and Human Rights

COVID-19 and Human Rights

The International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies and the Academy of Science of South Africa have collaborated to organise a virtual event on 7 December 2020, highlighting key rights-related challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introductory Remarks

Jonathan Jansen, President, Academy of Science of South Africa

COVID-19 and Human Rights: Perspectives on Socio-economic COVID-19 and Human Rights: Perspectives on Socio-economic Rights and Violence

South Africa, like other countries worldwide, was forced to impose lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 since March 2020. While the measures taken by the government aided in slowing down the spread of the pandemic, they have had far-reaching consequences for a range of socio-economic rights, such as the rights to education, food, and work. They have also had serious consequences for civil and political rights, including through a rise in the levels of domestic violence, and because of the use of force by law enforcement officials in imposing these measures. This panel discussion will explore the impact of COVID-19 on socio-economic human rights and violence faced by citizens.

Click here to access recoring of the discussion

Christof Heyns (Moderator), Professor of Law, University of Pretoria, MASSAf and Member of the U.N. Human Rights Committee

Rachel Jewkes, Executive Scientist: Research Strategy, South African Medical Research Council

Sandy Liebenberg, HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law, University of Stellenbosch and Vice- President, UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Christopher Mbazira, Professor of Law, Makarere University, Uganda

International Events

Click on the link to access international speakers: https://www.internationalhrnetwork.org/resources-866326-375703.html