Americas at a Crossroad: Human Rights Response to COVID-19

Governments across the Americas have begun to respond to COVID-19 in a variety of ways, ranging from calling for states of emergencies, to imposing travel bans, to implementing quarantines. They are ultimately responsible for protecting people and their human rights but have often failed to do so in the Americas. Amnesty International believes that authorities must show leadership by prioritizing human rights and by refraining from abusing their power in the middle of this emergency. Here is a preliminary list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” that all governments should follow during these difficult times.