The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities for many of the religious communities we work alongside. Communities which were already marginalised have been at even greater risk during this crisis, and our advocacy for justice and freedom has been more important than ever.

At the start of the pandemic CSW emphasised the risk that some governments might exploit this global health crisis to violate human rights further. Sadly, this risk has been realised with numerous examples of communities having their right to freedom of religion or belief curtailed even more across the 26 countries on which we work under the guise of COVID-19 requirements.

Impact of COVID-19 on minority faith communities 

At the end of 2020 there were clear indications that the pandemic had been and is being weaponised by governments and individuals in several CSW countries of focus to advance political agendas, to cement an invasive control over society and to justify an increase in repression and discrimination targeting specific religious and/or ethnic communities. 

The pandemic has also had the unforeseen consequence of highlighting socio-economic disparities worldwide. As a result, in countries where certain religious communities face long-standing harassment, discrimination, mistreatment and even persecution, the pandemic has exacerbated their situation. 

In addition, the virus has increased the vulnerability of refugees and displaced communities, including those who experience human rights violations on account of their religious beliefs.

The impact of the pandemic on religious and ethnic communities has included: 

• Overcrowding in prisons during the pandemic which posed an additional threat to the welfare of inmates and increased the likelihood of the virus spreading in these locations. CSW raised the cases of a number of prisoners of conscience who were at particular risk. 
• There have been notable occasions when authorities have misinformed and/or concealed information from the public in a bid to portray a more positive national image, or to create conspiracy theories that have adversely affected certain religious communities. 
• While many have benefitted from the internet and virtual calls during a time when social distancing has become the norm, several governments have made use of technology to police gatherings of targeted religious communities and individuals. They have also failed to address online abuse directed at such communities or individuals. 
• Refugees and IDPs generally live in overcrowded conditions that would render them particularly vulnerable in the event of an outbreak of COVID -19. Many are from religious communities that have experienced rights violations that occasioned their displacement. In some cases, those assisting them, some of whom are religious actors, have also been rendered vulnerable.

We have raised these issues of concern, and specific cases, with policy-makers, media outlets and influencers at every opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

China

We campaigned for the Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in the Uyghur Region who are particularly at risk of COVID-19. Over one million have been detained in camps without charge or trial in connection with their ethnicity and religion. Conditions in the camp are overcrowded and unsanitary with lack of access to medical care. An outbreak in the camps would be a disaster. We have run two successful campaigns aimed at the UK government and the global fashion industry (targeting the use of forced labour in garment production across the Uyghur region), alongside our regular advocacy at the United Nations and European Union. 

The Chinese government has detained or disappeared citizen journalists who try to report on the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been calling for the release of Christian human rights defender and citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, detained since May.

We engaged in advocacy based on an exclusive report on the situation for churches amid the pandemic – this came from an experienced, independent researcher and includes three case studies from churches in different parts of the country.

Burma/Myanmar

The COVID-19 pandemic had a particular impact on some of Burma’s most vulnerable communities, particularly those in refugee camps along its borders, and in IDP camps. Many displaced communities are ethnic and religious minorities who have fled Burma’s decades-long armed conflict. Social distancing, self-isolation and even regular hand washing are an impossibility in camps where families live cheek by jowl, with a limited supply of clean water, poor sanitation and rudimentary healthcare. 

We mounted a campaign urging the UK government to use its influence to protect refugees living in such conditions. 

Vietnam

We raised concerns about the situation of prisoners of conscience in Vietnam, some of whom have not been allowed family visits or permitted to receive the usual amount of food parcels. CSW’s advocacy called for the government to ensure that, in the absence of in-person meetings, longer and more frequent phone calls to loved ones were arranged. 

India

In India false allegations surfaced on social media accusing Muslims of spreading COVID-19 following an Islamic gathering in New Delhi. Muslim owned businesses were boycotted, and cases of targeted attacks on Muslim individuals were reported. We have raised these concerns with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief and others. They responded positively and we continue to work with these Offices on these issues in 2021.   

Nepal

Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya, who leads Abundant Harvest Church in Pokhara, was arrested on 23 March after a video of him saying that the coronavirus could be healed through Christian prayer was uploaded on YouTube on 22 February. The pastor denies uploading the video. Pastor Keshav was finally released from Dolpa prison on 30 June on bail but is still awaiting a final hearing of his case, and the charges against him remain in effect.

CSW joined 24 other members of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable in signing an open letter to the Attorney General of Nepal calling for the immediate dropping of all charges against Pastor Keshav. As part of our advocacy on his behalf we also raised his case with Lord Ahmad, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and United Nations at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 

We will continue to pray, campaign and advocate on behalf of religious communities at even greater risk during the pandemic.