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The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to accelerate global trends of democratic decline and weakening respect for human rights. It is intensifying existing inequalities, hitting those who are already marginalized, subjected to discrimination and living in poverty hardest.
The Nordic governments advocate for international cooperation, solidarity, human rights and democracy in the fight against the pandemic. Disproportionate response measures can have serious and far-reaching repercussions for human rights and democratic principles. We are concerned that some governments are taking advantage of the pandemic by using it as a pretext to violate human rights, reduce democratic space and redesign the global playing field.
Fortunately, we have seen the international community act. UN Secretary General António Guterres has led the way by calling for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on fighting the pandemic and by putting human rights to the fore. The UN human rights system, the UN humanitarian and development system, and the World Health Organization have all played a leadership role in addressing the significant challenges of COVID-19.
In support of such efforts, our five governments strive to ensure that human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality are at the center of the immediate and long-term global response. We must rebuild better and greener; and we are ready to show leadership in strengthening international cooperation in the coming years.
To that end, we must do four things:
We must mobilize internationally. The COVID-19 pandemic is a human crisis that is rapidly turning into a human rights crisis. Through the Sustainable Development Goals, the international community is committed to leaving no one behind. We must uphold this commitment and ensure that all measures respect human rights.
We must guarantee transparency and access to reliable information. The voices of the independent media and civil society, including human rights defenders, must be protected and promoted. Their monitoring and reporting will help hold governments to account. It is also imperative that we counter misinformation and propaganda, and work closely with the media, technology companies, the private sector and civil society, as well as other stakeholders.
We must ensure a transformative gender perspective in the global response. The pandemic is related to an increase in levels of sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices. Furthermore, the full enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), such as access to modern contraceptives, legal and safe abortion, and comprehensive sexuality education, has worsened considerably.
The burden that COVID-19 places on health care systems should not be used as an excuse to restrict sexual and reproductive health and rights services for all women and girls. We stand united to eliminate structural discrimination and will continue to promote the economic and political empowerment of women and their full and equal enjoyment of all human rights.
Finally, we must remain vigilant to ensure that international norms and principles do not slip. Any action to combat COVID-19 must not undermine international law, democracy or democratic institutions.
The time has come to mobilize to protect and strengthen the multilateral system and the rules-based international order. Multilateral institutions need political and financial support. And it is necessary to strengthen the public’s trust in democracy and democratic institutions.
Today, we will have a debate with the main representatives of the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the OSCE and civil society. Together, we back our words with action, taking the lead to ensure that human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality are at the center of the world’s response and recovery.
We are prepared to share the Nordic experience of building trust by combining leadership with transparency and cooperation between national and local government institutions, as well as with civil society. We are also prepared to use our voice and experience whenever human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality are under pressure.
The response to the pandemic must not come at the expense of weaker democracies or more human rights violations. On the contrary, an approach based on democracy, gender equality and human rights is key to combat COVID-19 and make the 2030 Agenda a reality.
Editor’s Note: The writers are: Jeppe Kofod and Rasmus Prehn, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Development Cooperation of Denmark. Pekka Haavisto and Ville Skinnari, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Finland. Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation of Iceland. Ine Eriksen Søreide and Dag-Inge Ulstein, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for International Development of Norway. Ann Linde and Peter Eriksson, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for International Development Cooperation. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Reporter.
Contributed by Nordic ministers
