The human rights of Australians were overlooked in imposing blanket restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report.
The Australian Human Rights Commission said the report highlighted critical gaps in the emergency response which could be improved in future crises.
Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay said many vulnerable Australians were overlooked in the country’s pandemic response.
“In our research, we heard devastating stories of severe economic hardship, families unable to say goodbye to loved ones, women trapped in violent households, and communities left isolated due to blanket policies that failed to consider local realities.” Commissioner Finlay said.
“The pandemic response saved lives, but it also came at a significant cost.”
She said the report found Federal, State and Territory governments did not adequately consider or protect people’s human rights when implementing pandemic response measures.
“It found Australians from all walks of life were adversely affected, with people from marginalised backgrounds or in at-risk situations seeing their harms compounded.”
Commissioner Finlay said the findings outlined the human impact of pandemic response measures, including international and domestic border closures, lockdowns, school disruptions, quarantine, and healthcare restrictions.
She said among the more disproportionate impacts on people included:
- Failures in compassionate exemption pathways, leaving many unable to visit dying family members or return home in their time of need.
- The 2021 Melbourne tower lockdowns: Deemed a severe response that violated Victorian human rights laws.
- Barriers faced by First Nations communities, migrant communities and people with disability in accessing essential information and services.
“It has been five years since the pandemic began, but the consequences of this life-altering time in history are still being felt today.”
Commissioner Finlay said the report recommended all levels of government adopted an Emergency Response Framework, anchored by seven key principles:
- Human rights as a priority, embedded in decision-making from the outset.
- Meaningful consultation with all communities, especially vulnerable groups, as a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.
- Proportionate responses that are constantly reviewed and adapted.
- Balancing risk with compassion, ensuring timely and accessible exemptions.
- Tailored communication, addressing diverse needs and combating misinformation.
- Empowering and supporting local communities to help create more effective and considered plans.
- Planning beyond the crisis to avoid abrupt withdrawal of critical supports.
Read the full report: Collateral Damage’ Report Into Australia’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response.
