1/ Human Rights in Times of #Coronavirus: To be lawful, emergency measures and powers must be NECESSARY to combat the public health crisis, REASONABLE and PROPORTIONATE. They should be lifted as soon as they are no longer necessary for protecting public health (CESR 0604)

2/ CESR: Access to justice and to effective legal remedies is not a luxury, but an essential element to protect economic, social and cultural rights, especially those of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups

3/ As the front-line responders to this crisis, all health-care workers must be provided proper protective clothing and equipment against contagion. It is also essential that they are consulted by decision-makers, and that due regard is paid to their advice.

4/ States must make all efforts to mobilize the necessary resources to combat #COVID19 in the most equitable manner, in order to avoid imposing a further economic burden on these marginalized groups. Allocation of resources should prioritize the special needs of these groups.

5/ States should adopt targeted measures, including through international cooperation, to protect+mitigate the pandemic impact on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, refugees, conflict-affected populations, groups subject to structural discrimination

6/ States should adopt regulatory measures to ensure employers minimize risks of contagion. Until such measures are adopted, workers cannot be obliged to work and should be protected from disciplinary or other penalties for refusing to work without adequate protection.

7/ Accurate+accessible information about the pandemic is essential to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, and to protect the population against dangerous disinformation. Such information is also crucial in reducing the risk of harmful conduct against vulnerable groups

8/ #COVID19 pandemic is a global crisis, it highlights the crucial importance of int'l assistance, incl. sharing of research, medical equipment/supplies, best practices; coordinated action to reduce the crisis impacts; and joint endeavours to ensure equitable economic recovery

9/ States have extraterritorial obligations related to global efforts to combat #COVID19. They should avoid taking decisions, such as imposing limits on the export of medical equipment, that result in obstructing access to vital equipment for the world’s poorest victims

10/ States should also use their voting powers in international financial institutions to alleviate the financial burden of developing countries, with measures such as granting these countries different mechanisms of debt relief.

11/ States parties should also promote flexibilities or other adjustments in applicable intellectual property regimes to allow universal access to the benefits of scientific advancements relating to COVID-19 such as diagnostics, medicines and vaccines.

12/ Unilateral sanctions of an economic and financial nature weaken health-care systems and could undermine efforts to combat #COVID19, especially in the context of the procurement of medical equipment and supplies. Such sanctions should be lifted.

13/ #COVID19 has highlighted the critical role of adequate investments in public health systems, comprehensive social protection programmes, decent work, housing, food, water and sanitations systems, and institutions to advance gender equality.

Source: Statement on the #coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and economic, social and cultural rights from the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 6 April 2020, https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cescr/pages/cescrindex.aspx