Driven by a desire to protect the health and wellbeing of their citizens and residents, many governments have taken extraordinary steps to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Some governments have incorporated surveillance technology into their efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19. While the use of all the tools at hand is understandable, emergencies – even COVID-19 – do not obviate states’ obligations to consider the broader societal and human rights effects of these emergency measures.

On November 15, 2019, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (the Act), which repeals and replaces the Public Order and Security Act of 2002 [Chapter 11:17 (POSA) went into effect. The Act governs gatherings, processions, and public demonstrations and thus impacts the freedoms of assembly and expression in Zimbabwe. This Practical Guide highlights key steps and considerations for organizers (or “conveners”) of assemblies.

Made up of more than 40 countries, Asia defies easy categorization. On the one hand, many countries are home to vibrant civil society sectors. On the other hand, in too many countries, state regulatory controls on civil society are becoming increasingly restrictive.

UNSR Clément Voule issued ten key principles to guide states’ response to a public health crisis. A checklist and survey accompany these principles to assess the implementation by government authorities and other key actors.

Face masks are in the news. The CDC now recommends that Americans wear face masks to reduce transmission of COVID-19, and some localities are mandating wearing them for certain activities, such as entering a grocery store. Yet, at least 18 states and Washington DC have laws that could be used to penalize those who wear face masks.

PUBLISHED: APRIL 2020 This April 2020 joint declaration by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the Organization for Security and Co-operation […]

This database tracks case law, constitutions, and international instruments from around the world that deal with the Right to Health. It is maintained by the Lawyers Collective, an India-based NGO, and the O’Neil Institute at Georgetown Law.

The United States is in the midst of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. All 50 states, as well as the federal government, have now declared emergencies and issued a range of executive orders to combat the spread of the virus. While COVID-19 is a serious threat to public health, measures to address it should not become a serious threat to civil liberties. Emergency

The COVID-19 response is currently an all-consuming effort for governments and people in countries around the world. In this time of urgency, ICNL and ECNL offer a quick guide for authorities striving to protect lives in line with their duty to uphold human rights and protect human dignity, based on international human rights obligations.

Amnesty International’s preliminary observation report examines the human rights concerns and challenges that often emerge in epidemic responses, with specific reference to COVID-19. It summarizes states’ human rights obligations and the key human rights laws, standards, and principles that must be reflected in the responses.