COVID-19: UN Warns Governments Against Violation Of Human Rights

The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has warned governments against violating the rights of its people, amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The message is clear: people and their rights must be front and central,”he said in a tweet by the UN Geneva Office on Thursday.

He said that governments must be transparent, responsive and accountable so that citizens wouldn’t suffer.

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He also urged government not to suppress press freedom , civil society organization, private sector and the civic space as they are critical for the progress of the society.

Furthermore, he backed every human rights group that was calling their respective governments and stakeholders to order.

“The human rights lens puts everyone in the picture and ensures that no one is left behind.

“They also serve as an essential warning system highlighting who is suffering most, why and what can be done about it,” he said.

He stressed that weaknesses in public service delivery and inequalities can be counter productive to the fight against covid-19, especially when many have economic and health needs.

“We see the disproportionate effect in some communities; the rise of hate speech, the targeting of vulnerable groups, and the risk of heavy handed security responses undermining the health response,” he said.