‘Covid recovery must protect rights’

As the world scrambles to recover from the coronavirus, recovery efforts must be designed and implemented such that human rights are protected, said activists at a press conference held to mark International Human Rights Day, celebrated globally on December 10 every year.

Separately, the Sindh Human Rights Department held a panel discussion on Thursday in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union.

Calling for human rights protection and highlighting areas of concern, activists at the press conference pointed to the theme for December 10 this year, ‘Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights.’

They pointed to lockdowns, suspension of services, limited or restricted mobility, rise in domestic violence and social and economic pressures and discussed the pandemic’s adverse effects on human rights in the country.

Marginalised and vulnerable sections of society, including those disenfranchised because of gender, class, religion or other differences, were hit harder by the pandemic, they stressed.

The speakers, including Naghma Iqtidar, Zulfiqar Shah and Jamil Junejo of the Sindh Human Rights Defenders Network and Anis Haroon, also drew attention to the plight of frontline workers too, among other concerns.

Sindh and HR policies

Meanwhile, the panel discussion by the human rights department highlighted policies and human rights mechanisms in place in Sindh - especially those safeguarding the rights of women, children, people with disabilities, religious minorities and transgender persons. The panellists also spoke on how the province’s legislation may be strengthened and made accessible.

Sindh Women Development Minister Shehla Raza discussed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013, whereby physical torture and victimisation through psychological, economic and social means is declared illegal. Other laws were also discussed.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2020.