COVID-19 & Human Rights:
Perspectives on Socio-economic Rights and Violence
Academy of Science of South Africa
WEBINAR
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 right 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.
In December 2020, the Academy of Science of South Africa hosted a panel discussion, COVID-19 and Human Rights: Perspectives on Socio-economic Rights and Violence, to explore the impact of COVID-19 on socio-economic human rights and violence faced by citizens.
PANELISTS
Sandy Liebenberg
HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law, University of Stellenbosch and Vice-Chair, UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Christoper Mbazira
Professor of Law, Makarere University, Uganda
Rachel Jewkes
Executive Scientist: Research Strategy, South African Medical Research Council
MODERATOR
Christof Heyns
Professor of Law, University of Pretoria; Member of the UN Human Rights Committee; Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa
Please visit the ASSAf website for more information.
Additional Resources
STATEMENT
Statement on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and economic, social and cultural rights
April 2020 | UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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In this statement, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights highlights important impacts of the pandemic on economic, social and cultural rights and makes recommendations to States parties to combat the pandemic in a manner consistent with their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
GENERAL COMMENT
General comment No. 25 (2020) on science and economic, social and cultural rights
April 2020 | UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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This General Comment provides interpretative guidance on the right to science and a basis for measuring and monitoring implementation of this right, of critical importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.