A recent report from the Australian Human Rights Commission titled Collateral Damage reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic response overlooked essential human rights, impacting many Australians, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalised communities. This substantial analysis covers the experiences of over 5,000 individuals, collected through a national survey and community consultations, highlighting significant lessons learned during the pandemic.
Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay remarked on the report, acknowledging that while measures taken during the pandemic saved lives, they also incurred considerable costs for numerous Australians. Many felt neglected amid the crisis management efforts aimed at controlling the virus’s spread. The findings expose alarming stories of severe economic distress, families who were unable to farewell loved ones, women caught in abusive domestic environments, and communities struggling with social isolation due to broad policies that did not cater to the unique needs of localities.
Significant issues were pinpointed regarding the human impact of stringent measures such as border closures, lockdowns, school suspensions, and healthcare limitations. The report criticises the lack of compassionate exemptions, which left many individuals unable to visit dying relatives or return home during critical times. Furthermore, it highlights the heightened barriers that First Nations people, migrant communities, and individuals with disabilities faced in accessing crucial information and services during the pandemic.
As Australia marks the fifth anniversary of the beginning of national lockdowns declared on March 18, 2020, the report serves as a crucial reminder of the enduring effects of this historical period. Finlay emphasised that the consequences of the pandemic are still reverberating today, indicating a need for a more humane and considerate approach in future emergency responses.
The insights from this report are poised to inform future planning and policy-making, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into any emergency measures enacted, be it in response to pandemics, natural disasters, or other crises. The lessons learned stress the importance of understanding the comprehensive human impact of such measures to safeguard against overlooking the rights and needs of the most vulnerable populations in future responses. The report advocates for a more empathetic framework that acknowledges and prioritises human rights amidst crisis management strategies.