COVID-19 Update

Introduction

During the early stages of the pandemic CSW released a statement underlining the importance of ensuring that limitations of rights and freedoms on legitimate public health grounds were applied in a transparent and “non discriminatory manner; that they remain in place for no longer than the minimum period necessary to contain the spread of the virus, and that they are not instrumentalised to undermine the future enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.”

The CSW statement stressed it was “imperative that this crisis is not exploited by authoritarian governments to consolidate power, or to legitimise crackdowns on human rights defenders (HRDs), arbitrary detentions or violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief [or to] undermine transparency and accountability.” It went on to urge States to “adhere to the rule of law, and to promote and protect fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion or belief” through specified measures.

There are now clear indications that the pandemic has been and is being weaponised by governments and individuals in several of CSW’s 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, their situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic. In addition, the virus has increased the vulnerability of refugees and displaced communities, including those that experienced human rights violations on account of their religious beliefs.

Click here to read the full COVID-19 Update (PDF).