Are lockdowns a violation of human rights?

Credit: Committee to Protect Journalists

Almost 6 million affected, 2.4 million recovering and over 360 thousand dead; the COVID-19 ‘Coronavirus’ has severely rocked the world as we know it today. What began as a virus that affected few in the Wuhan province of China in late December of 2019, has now become one of the world’s worst pandemics till date. Each country has tried their best in combating the issue through various measures that include placing their country on lockdown under quarantine. While many are happy with this decision as it is vital in controlling the spread of the virus, others are enraged that they are forced to stay at home and some are worried that they won’t be able to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families anymore. 

The History

The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China and unfortunately, little was done to raise awareness of the causes and preventions of the virus globally. Due to a delay in China’s precautionary measures, hundreds were affected in the span of a few days and that quickly grew to thousands all over the world as people continued to travel. Most countries didn’t take the virus very seriously and were lax with their travel and entry regulations which only facilitated the spread of the outbreak further. 

While many countries were continuing life as usual, many began placing the most affected regions under complete lockdown in an attempt to contain the virus and this proved to be extremely efficient. China went on lockdown on the 23rd of January and continued imposing stricter regulation until mid-April which proved to greatly reduce the number of infected people. Many other countries began imposing such lockdowns and quarantines such as India, New Zealand and eventually Italy, one of the majorly affected countries. The United States of America, despite being the most affected country along with their large population, are refusing to go on any major lockdown due to Trump’s “belief” and “faith” in the American healthcare system or more importantly, his capitalist prioritization of the country’s economy and businesses.This had led to the anti-lockdown protests - communities endorsed by President Trump, who are fighting against the ‘tyranny’ and ‘oppression’ of government-imposed lockdowns.

The Opinions

New Zeleand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and India’s Narendra Modi have both been praised for taking prompt actions and placing restrictions and enforcing stay-at-home ordres during the pandemic, the fruits of which are evident in New Zealand where they haven’t had any new cases in weeks and have only a handful of patients still recovering. 

Many people are reluctant in following restrictions imposed due to a fear of being unable to financially provide for themselves. Over 30 million people have lost their job globally due to the inactivity of many businesses and stay at home orders. People are extremely concerned about paying rent, school fees and even being able to afford groceries as they no longer have a stable income. This was one of the main reasons that triggered an anti-lockdown movement in the USA. Additionally, people are concerned about the effects on their mental health due to an increase in stress. While all of these reasons seem reasonable due to the negative effect they’re having on society with its impacts on social developments, many are angry with the reasons that President Trump and anti-lockdown protesters are providing.    

Many in the USA are enraged that their First Amendment Rights are being stripped away from them by forcing them to stay at home and wear face masks which others believe to be ridiculous excuses. Globally, these protests are being ridiculed for their misinformed anger on the “supposed violation of their human rights” without realizing that all the precautionary measures taken (which are considerably weaker in comparison to the rest of the world) are there to ensure the safety of the citizens to begin with. The protests that are taking place themselves are becoming a threat to the health of the protestors as it could result in the mass transmission of the virus. The protestors also believe that the gravity of the situation is being blown out of proportion by the media when the pandemic isn’t that serious at all. 

The Conclusion

It is of utmost importance that we educate ourselves on the measure imposed by our countries to better understand their motives before we choose to fight them. Many believe that it’s foolish to protest the very measures that could save their lives while others see it as a simple violation of their rights. Success stories such as New Zealand should be the model for other countries to hopefully get back to normal.

Now, more than ever, it is vital that people and countries put a pause on capitalist motives and focus on the well-being and health of the people because in the case of the pandemic, precautionary measures are better late than never.