COVID-19 and human rights

In times of crisis, human rights are more important than ever. In a short period of time our lives have changed dramatically. Critical decisions are being made with the urgent aim to protect the health and safety of people and their livelihoods. It is worth remembering that our human rights frameworks were designed to see us through times like this – difficult times, uncertain times – where it’s vital that we hang onto humanity in the face of extraordinary challenges and consider the longer term consequences of actions and decisions that we make now.

Emerging issues

Retailers' guide: Face masks and discrimination

During the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers have had to navigate some complex issues, such as mandatory face mask rules. We've developed a guide for them to help ensure their approach to masks and vaccines is lawful under discrimination law in Victoria.

FAQs: Face masks and human rights

During Victoria's circuit-breaker lockdown, you are required to wear a fitted face mask in all indoor and outdoor settings (except private residences), unless you have a lawful exception. The requirement to wear a face mask applies to everyone aged 12 years and older.

Explainer: Protests during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health orders have limited the ability of Victorians to gather together publicly to speak up on issues they care about. Here are some answers to the common questions about protest rights and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Explainer: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and your rights

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, some employers or service providers may seek to require their staff or customers to be vaccinated. This resource answers some frequently asked questions about vaccine requirements and your rights.

Snapshots: Gender equality and flexible work in the post-COVID workplace

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, workers have been clear about their desire to continue incorporating flexibility into the way they work. Our two research snapshots look at how workplaces can advance gender equality and embrace flexible work.

Snapshot: Juggling caring, parenting and work – Lessons for the post-COVID workplace

Many workers took on additional parenting and caring responsibilities throughout the pandemic, meaning that for many, they needed greater support and flexibility from their employers. This snapshot looks at how employers can better support parents and carers in the post-COVID workplace.

Snapshot: Supporting workers with disability – Lessons for the post-COVID workplace

During the pandemic, the unprecedented move to remote and flexible work has created opportunities to better understand how flexible work arrangements can support workers with disability to access and participate meaningfully in the workplace. This snapshot looks at how employers can better support workers with disability in the post-COVID workplace.

The four key areas we are focusing on

Embedding human rights during COVID-19

Reducing racism during COVID-19

Improving workplace equality during COVID-19

Protecting human rights in closed environments during COVID-19

Here at the Commission, while our physical offices are currently closed, we remain committed to ensuring the dignity and safety of every Victorian. To do this, we’re focusing on four key areas:

Embedding human rights during COVID-19
Reducing racism during COVID-19
Improving workplace equality during COVID-19
Protecting human rights in closed environments during COVID-19

We know that many of those who will be most affected are those who are older and increasingly isolated, those with disabilities who are unable to access the care and support they need, people experiencing homelessness, women and children in abusive relationships, people who are in forms of detention, and those who have lost incomes or have precarious employment arrangements.

Importantly, we’re continuing to provide our enquiries and complaints services which can now be accessed remotely. Through our live chat service and video conferencing, we’re ready to answer any questions you have about discrimination, sexual harassment or vilification and to help you resolve any complaints.

All the indications are that we will be collectively living with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for some time to come. Whether in quarantine or isolation, or chartering our way back to a more normal way of life, we will need to weather this together, and ensure that the vulnerable amongst us receive support and care.

Ensuring the health and safety of all Victorians during this period will require care, compassion and close cooperation across all sectors, and we are committed to playing our part.