COVID-19 and Human Rights

Human rights are key in shaping the pandemic response, both for the public health emergency and the

broader impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Human rights put people centre-stage. Responses

that are shaped by and respect human rights result in better outcomes in beating the pandemic,

ensuring healthcare for everyone and preserving human dignity. But they also focus our attention

on who is suffering most, why, and what can be done about it. They prepare the ground now for

emerging from this crisis with more equitable and sustainable societies, development and peace.