In one of the most unprecedented events of the 21st century, the coronavirus has plunged the world into economic disaster and tragedy. COVID-19, and the measures adopted by governments to curb the spread thereof, has forced many people all around the globe to stay at home in order to protect themselves and their families, and to ensure the functionality of their health system. However, the struggle to access basis necessities has left vulnerable communities around the world unable to cope, which in turn has led to riot outbreaks. Is enough being done to combat this humanitarian crisis?
THE SUFFERING COMMUNITIES
When lockdown measures were announced in a number of countries, the media reported chaotic panic-buying by consumers. Those who struggled to survive even before the pandemic began were not able to horde essential goods and are still finding it increasingly difficult to put food on their tables.
Due to lockdown measures, many people in less developed countries are struggling as they are unable to earn an income, and as such it is becoming harder to procure essentials. The South African government has been praised for its lockdown measures, which has seen a low number of confirmed cases, but as a result of these measures, many people have been unable to work.
The government’s food parcel programme has been the source of controversy in the country, with accusations of public officials taking the parcels for themselves. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said these individuals will be dealt with harshly. In response, rioting has broken out in a few South African cities. According to reports, police have fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds breaking into shops to take essentials. Arguably, the riots are indicative of political protest as much as they are acts of desperation.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a national lockdown which has impacted 1 billion people, but with nearly half of India’s workforce self-employed, the state had not given any clarity on the support people would receive at the time of announcing the lockdown. Modi has subsequently announced a $260 billion economic rescue package in a bid to help migrant labourers as well as big businesses.
Despite lockdown measures, many self-employed Indians have left major cities in order to return to their home villages, and are unable to earn an income. They now face the struggle of obtaining necessities. The state government of New Delhi has announced that it will provide grains to 40% of its citizens, but this still leaves millions struggling for food. The government’s inadequate response has forced people to defy lockdown restrictions as was the case when a 60 year old widow visited the commissioner’s office after running out of food and money. There is also a general lack of understanding or contempt for the desperation of the poor, as was evidenced by a man in West Bengal who was beaten by the police for buying milk.
A NECESSARY RESPONSE
Every affected country will see the economic effects of the virus, but some are more prepared to cope than others. For example, in the United Kingdom, children who are normally provided with free school meals will be given vouchersinstead. However, in less developed areas, school closures will mean many children will be missing a crucial school meal.
For countries in Africa and Asia, it is vital that governments and international response teams recognise that in communities where the risk of malnourishment and famine is high, it is critically important to ensure that the safety of residents are protected by supplying basic necessities. Governments have an obligation to do what is best for their citizens and to protect their basic rights.
Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), protects the rights for all citizens to have an adequate standard of living, including access to food and right to security in the event of unemployment or sickness. This is further protected under Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The ICESCR further establishes that countries should improve methods of production and distribution of food sources. This is crucially important now more than ever.
COVID-19 has led to many flights being suspended and countries closing their borders. As a result, in places such as Africa where food supply is heavily dependent on humanitarian relief efforts, the delay in transporting the goods have left thousands of people vulnerable. Since the outbreak began, UN human rights officials have stressed the importance of protecting people’s rights more now than ever, including their rights under Article 25 of the UDHR and Article 11 of the ICESCR.
Speaking at a briefing, UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has said more action is required to prevent wider inequalities amid the virus outbreak. This includes ensuring that the most vulnerable have continued access to resources.
European leaders have joined African leaders recommending a package of $100 billion for the African continent to support an ambitious humanitarian initiative, which gives African countries the resources they need to “deliver food and logistical supplies to the communities most affected by the lockdown". The World Food Programme alongside the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service have ensured that they are ready to use aviation services to provide food and essential supplies to those in need. Regardless of the situation that each country is now facing, it is necessary that the basic rights to food and other essential supplies are protected.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), alongside the African Union, have emphasised the importance of the essential services which provide food supplies to African countries continuing to operate as normal. However, according to the FAO’s director of emergencies, Dominique Burgeon “the number of people on the verge of being extremely vulnerable was already very high. What we fear is that this number will further increase because of the impact of COVID-19 on food security.” The World Food Programme has estimated that those who are facing food insecurity could double in 2020 to 265 million.
The lack of protection for the vulnerable in these unprecedented months will prove a challenge for governments. Many are fearing for their health due to the effects and highly contagious nature of the virus, with millions of people in developing countries living in close proximity with one another. If communities are desperate due to the lack of food and other essential goods, this may lead to a violation of strict lockdown regulations, thus increasing the risk of infection in already vulnerable communities.
Lockdown measures are in place across the entire globe, and are affecting each country individually. But it is important for governments and international organisations to support the most vulnerable within society. NGO’s have come together to provide food supplies where possible, but many people are still struggling. Protecting people from the outbreak of COVID-19 should not come at the cost of access to food and other basic necessities.
Enakshi is currently a second year law student at the University of Liverpool and is pursuing a career as a solicitor. She is involved in the Liverpool Law Clinic where she helps clients in family court and is committed to advocating for human rights.