COVID-19, Lockdowns and Human Rights in Africa

One of the most common responses to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide has been the imposition of lock-downs. Lock-downs have included various forms of restrictions on movement, gatherings and areas of conducting business. Restrictions are slowly being lifted, from total lock-down to the opening up of select areas and businesses at a given time. Reasons for easing lock-down regulations, are varied – either governments believe they have flattened the curve, or they are in a much better position to cope with the situation should the pandemic spread to levels such as those reached in some countries in the global North. Governments in Africa and beyond, have generally imposed lock-downs in the absence of public consultation. Decisions at best have been informed by a group of experts in various fields, at worst, they have been a cut and paste strategy devoid of country-specific realities. In Africa where a significant number rely on small businesses and the informal market, the impact has been dire. It is also being noted that in politically polarized environments, regimes have taken the opportunity to trample on the rights of citizens, shrink civic and democratic space and consolidate their power.

This week's Webinar, discusses the intricacies of lock-downs and human rights. To help us do this is Dr Justice Mavedzenge from the Africa Regional Programme of the International Commission of Jurists.

This discussion is part of a Webinar Series that seeks to provide a platform for academics and non-academics alike to discuss international, continental, regional and country specific responses to the pandemics and disasters in general, in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak which the world has been grappling with since January 2020. For more information on the nature and objectives of the overall series, click here: https://heske.wisdmlabs.net/project/5e8ae46ba6a5c2058bcf3466. Should you also be interested in previous presentations in this series visit the following links:

Webinar no. 1 "Grappling with the Pathocene": Africa and the Corona Virus Pandemic in Historical Perspective",
https://youngscholarsinitiative.zoom.us/rec/play/vMJ8I-Cu_zs3TICd4wSDB6dwW47sfa6s1HUcrqdenkixBnBSZ1T1M-NEM7TjYfCjTBJUyO917hMTyXRQ?fbclid=IwAR2BDqiFZ5QEul5No3og0de2CXORVup0WhsvgfZrcEf76fwW1W2Rz90Hdyg;

Webinar no. 2 "Fiscal and Monetary Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic" https://youngscholarsinitiative.zoom.us/rec/play/7pEscLj8pz43EtOcuQSDBaMrW466J62sh3Qf_PJcy0-8BnkFMFKvZ7ASZ7cAcJ-zgecj1x-Jk2ltl3rf

Webinar no.3 Economic Impact of COVID-19 in South Africa
https://youngscholarsinitiative.zoom.us/rec/play/v5Eqfr-pr243H93BtgSDC6QoW9TpLa6s0iYZqPBZz0q9V3UEZwamZ7YWMLbydUskZ9ceOgs7EctjlXXf

Webinar no 4 Gendered Humour: Discoursing Playful Engagements Around COVID-19
https://youngscholarsinitiative.zoom.us/rec/play/u8F-Juv8qWo3E9OU5ASDV_R8W9S9L6Ks1CkarvZeyUu8AiUKMFujNbFGYOQ01roa9rHR8bf3mFP869pi

Presenter: Dr Justice Mavedzenge
Title: Legal Advisor – Africa Regional Programme, International Commission of Jurists
Topic: COVID-19, Executive Overreach and Constriction of Civic Space in Africa
Date: Thursday 25 June 2020
Time: 1400 CAT