Emergency measures and COVID 19 - guidance document

Emergency measures and powers as a result of COVID-19

The situation presented by the COVID-19 pandemic requires many countries worldwide to take extraordinary measures to protect the health and well-being of the population. Even in a public emergency, these steps need to be based on the rule of law.

OHCHR has developed the following guidance note in April 2020 on how emergency powers should be used within the parameters provided by international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which acknowledges that States may need additional powers to address exceptional situations.

Download the guidance here - https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Events/EmergencyMeasures_COVID19.pdf

Emergency measures and powers should be time-bound and only exercised on a temporary basis with the aim to restore a state of normalcy as soon as possible.

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The human rights dimensions of COVID-19

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