The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected health, education, mental health, and the environment, with notable impacts on youth, gender equality, democracy, human rights, and peace. UNITE conducted two interviews with civil society organizations, advocates, and a current Member of Parliament, to discuss the challenges and disparities brought to light by the pandemic, focusing on vulnerable populations, including those who use drugs, individuals in prisons, women, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
On this first interview, that focuses on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on human rights, especially concerning marginalized groups, Mafalda Infante, Head of Parliamentary Engagement at UNITE, interviews Giada Girelli, Senior Analyst at Harm Reduction International (HRI).
Harm Reduction International (HRI), a non-governmental organization that advocates for harm reduction and drug policy reform, has focused extensively on the pandemic’s impact. The discussion centers on how COVID-19 affected human rights, particularly for people who use drugs, marginalized communities, and people in prison.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on society, disproportionately affecting groups that were already marginalized and underprivileged. People who use drugs faced unique obstacles in accessing COVID-19 services and later, vaccines, due to stigma, marginalization, and administrative barriers. Government responses often exacerbated these challenges, with restrictions sometimes leading to increased health risks and law enforcement abuses.
The pandemic also delayed transitions from international to domestic funding for HIV programs, worsening poverty and increasing the costs of programs and commodities. Harm reduction funding was particularly affected, highlighting the need for continued support for these essential services.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, community-led services proved essential, as they were able to adapt and respond effectively to the emergency, especially when provided with flexible and enhanced funding. These services demonstrated resilience and adaptability, crucial for addressing the needs of marginalized groups during crises.
Current international instruments are deemed inadequate for addressing public health emergencies equitably, so there is a call for a new approach centered around human rights, equity, accountability, and oversight of governments. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive framework for future pandemics that includes healthcare system resilience, economic stability, educational continuity, democratic principles, human rights, and social stability.
HRI advocates for stronger human rights protections in the Pandemic Agreement, such as comprehensive language on human rights to ensure vulnerable groups are protected during public health emergencies. The Civil Society Alliance for Human Rights in the Pandemic Treaty, of which HRI is a part, supports this push for a robust human rights framework.
UNITE has been advocating for a Pandemic Agreement that emphasizes transparency, equity, and human rights, and includes civil society and members of Parliament in the discussions. UNITE’s ‘Join Your Delegation’ campaign promotes the inclusion of members of Parliament in national delegations to multilateral health forums, such as the World Health Assembly, believing that this inclusion can ensure parliamentarians are well-informed and can relay critical discussions to their national parliaments, promoting better-informed policymaking.Â
