David Isaac CBE, the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has issued a letter sharing the Commission’s approach to ensuring a rights-based response is considered by state actors during the coronavirus pandemic.
While acknowledging a spectrum of equality implications from access to treatment and support for disabled people to the “real anxiety” of those unable to follow their religious funereal traditions, and paying heed to the impact on human rights of the emergency legislation passed in recent weeks, the letter also expresses wholehearted support for the role of government in acting to protect the lives of it citizens.
The letter notes that even in times of challenge, “human rights and equality law provide a framework to help governments make decisions to balance public safety and economic interests with the universal values of freedom, respect and fairness.” As the emergency measures continue, the EHRC will look to monitor developments, work with governments and local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, and ensure the fulfilment of equality and human rights duties.
The letter ends on an appeal to conciliation, claiming that acting through a human rights and equality law framework will “help the whole country get through the major challenges it faces and allow us to emerge stronger and more united” and to “overcome very recent divisions in our society.”
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