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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.

Public housing lockdowns

Our statement: Upholding human rights in the public housing lockdown

As 3000 residents in public housing in inner Melbourne enter full lockdown, it's vital that any restrictions are managed fairly, flexibly and with care for people’s individual circumstances and vulnerabilities. In the days ahead, we’ll be working closely with government, public authorities and civil society to monitor compliance with human rights.

Read our statement

Factsheet: Your rights in full lockdown

During a state of emergency, public authorities may need to limit human rights – but any limitation needs to be necessary, justified and proportionate. This factsheet for residents in public housing outlines what rights they can expect in a state of emergency. The factsheet is currently available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Somali, Tigrinya and Vietnamese, with audio recordings in Dinka, Nuer and Oromo.

Download the factsheet

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.