Governments can use a crisis as a pretext to infringe rights

As UN Special Rapporteur Fionnuala Ní Aoláin explains, “states and security sector institutions will find emergency powers attractive because they offer shortcuts,” and that such powers will, therefore, tend to “persist and become permanent.”

In recent weeks, governments around the world have acted with significant implications for fundamental freedoms and civic space. During this time, we must remember that responses to public health threats are stronger and more effective when they respect human rights.

This page presents key resources and information on how international law provides a framework to uphold human rights during crisis response.

This publication has been published on April, 3 2020.

Category: Security, Defence & Migration

Author

Sergio Bianchi

Board Member, Research and Innovation

Agenfor International

Agenfor Chairman from 1996 until 2012. Now General Director of Intl Organisations, works for Agenfor on voluntary basis as researcher. Arabist specialized in the field of Muslim minorities, Dr. Bianchi has carried out in-depth research on security issues and geopolitics, supporting the idea that Islam may be a resource to counter the terrorist threats. Among his recent books “Is Islamism a Threat?” (2015), “Jihadist Radicalisation in European Prisons” (2010), “The Italian right parties in the age of leadership” (2008). His articles and video productions regarding a wide range of topics from politics to breaking news have been featured in national and internationally published newspapers and TVs over the years.

Governments can use a crisis as a pretext to infringe rights

Author

Sergio Bianchi

Related Publications

Lockdown is lifted but disinformation persists