UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association, Clement Voule, issued a statement on April 10 asking national governments to make sure that their emergency COVID-19 regulations do not undermine international human rights standards. This statement is the result of the SR’s consultation with 40 civil society organizations from around the world and which was supported by the World Movement for Democracy.

The consultations revealed widespread alarm that many governments have passed or are proposing laws that would use the emergency as a cover to unnecessarily restrict civic space. In his statement, Mr. Voule outlined 10 key principles that governments must consider when drafting their emergency responses to COVID-19. These principles explain how to create regulations that maintain citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression, and right to privacy while addressing the crisis. Mr. Voule also emphasized the importance of civil society participation and consultation while drafting and implementing emergency response laws and regulations.

To read Mr. Voule’s full statement, click here.