COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker
Keep Civic Space Healthy
This tracker monitors government responses to the pandemic that affect civic freedoms and human rights, focusing on emergency laws. For information about our methodology, click here.
For more information and analysis by region, click here.
The COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker is a collaborative effort by the ICNL, ECNL, and our global network of partners, with generous research support from the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin. This is an ongoing effort, and we welcome you to email us at adeblock@icnl.org and simona@ecnl.org to share additional resources.
General Prevention Measures Decree 235/2021
The Decree suspends social gatherings of more than 10 people in private homes, and limits general capacity for activities in closed spaces to 50%. In areas of "high epidemiological risk" the Decree suspends activities and social gatherings in closed spaces regardless of the number of people, and limits gatherings in open-air public spaces to no more than 20 individuals. The Decree also restricts movement between midnight and 6 a.m.
The Decree empowers governors to establish additional measures on a "temporary, proportional and reasonable basis."
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 8 Apr 2021
Issue(s): Assembly, Movement
Type: order
Decree 792/2020 on Social, Preventive and Compulsory Isolation
This decree imposes "social, preventive and mandatory distancing" in several provinces. Individuals are prohibited from leaving the community where they reside unless they carry a "Unique Enabling Certificate for Circulation - COVID-19 Emergency". Local authorities are empowered to regulate public circulation by time and zone restrictions, and to impose quarantine measures on incoming persons.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 11 Oct 2020
Issue(s): Movement
Type: order
Ordinance 02/2020 on False Information Related to COVID-19
Municipal Ordinance 02/2020 establishes a fine of up to $20,000 for the distribution, creation, or sharing of "false news" relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Press freedom organizations have expressed concern that this measure targets individuals who criticize government policies and at least one journalist has been fined under its provisions.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 23 Jun 2020
Issue(s): Disinformation, Expression
Type: order
No. 297 of 2020 on Preventative and Mandatory Social Isolation
The decree mandates that all individuals self-isolate at their homes with minimal exceptions, in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The decree also prohibits gatherings of persons for any reason. According to the decree, the Ministry of Security will place permanent controls on public roads and routes as it deems necessary to limit movement and enforce compliance.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 19 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Assembly, Movement
Type: order
Decree No. 298 on the Suspension of Administrative Deadlines
The decree suspends the usual deadlines for administrative processes regulated by the National Administrative Procedures Act No. 19.549, including the processing of requests for public information.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 19 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Access to Information
Type: order
Decree No. 260 Declaring a Public Health Emergency
Declares a one-year "public health emergency" under Law No. 27,541, due to the pandemic.
Argentina extended the public health emergency when it expired in March 2020, until December 31, 2021. The emergency decree recommends travel restrictions to/from affected and higher risk areas, and leaves implementation in the hands of the "competent authorities".
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 12 Mar 2020 Extended through 31 December 2021
Issue(s): Emergency, Movement
Type: order
Repression of Protests and Health Workers
Security forces repressed gatherings of civil society groups and trade associations representing health workers, protesting poor working conditions and the government's response to COVID-19. Medical professionals were sanctioned for speaking to the media about the failings of the official pandemic response.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 18 Jun 2021
Issue(s): Assembly, Expression
Type: practice
Restrictive Practices against Journalists, Protest, and Movement
Provincial authorities limited journalists’ ability to cover the situation in Formosa, used excessive force against those protesting COVID-19 measures, and severely restricted the ability of people from Clorinda to leave their city and get health care.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 26 Mar 2021
Issue(s): Assembly, Expression, Movement
Type: practice
"Cyber Patrols" of Social Media by the Ministry of Security
The Security Minister, Sabina Frederic, stated in a video conference that security forces are carrying out "cyber patrols" on social networks. In an effort to monitor "social humor" and curb misinformation about the coronavirus, the cyber patrols have resulted in at least 12 criminal cases against individuals accused of "public intimidation," a crime punishable by up to six years in prison.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 8 Apr 2020
Issue(s): Disinformation, Surveillance, Expression, Privacy
Type: practice
Discriminatory Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures against Poor Communities
COVID-19 quarantines and movement restrictions have been disproportionately enforced against people living in poor communities. Among 40,000 people arrested for violating such measures, most live in impoverished neighborhoods, where residents encounter difficulties complying with stay-at-home orders due to cramped living quarters and the need to work.
(See primary source or citation here)Introduced 30 Mar 2020
Issue(s): Discrimination, Movement
Type: practice