Foreword

• Author: Michael O'Flaherty
• Profession: Director
• Pages: 5-5

5

As we enter the second half of 2020, the constraints on our daily lives brought about

by the COVID-19 pandemic have become a f‌irm reality. New local lockdowns and the

reintroduction of restrictive measures prompted by fresh outbreaks of the virus are a stark

reminder that COVID-19 continues to shape our lives – and our enjoyment of fundamental

rights – in profound ways.

The stabilisation of COVID-19 infections across much of the European Union(EU) provides

a moment to ref‌lect on the immense contribution of institutions and people from across

our diverse societies who have stepped up to promote and protect fundamental rights.

Medical staff and other frontline workers have ensured that essential services kept running.

Courts have pushed back against excessive regulation. National bodies – National Human

Rights Institutions, Equality Bodies, Ombuds and Data Protection Authorities, among

others – have provided much-needed monitoring, guidance and advice. Civil society has

not only advocated for rights, but delivered vital services, often incredibly creatively. Their

contributions can provide a blueprint for dealing with future crisis situations, and it is crucial

that their stories are heard.

At the same time, looking across this series of four bulletins, there is compelling evidence

of how the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in our societies. Sections of our

populations have exploited COVID-19 to attack minorities already subject to appalling levels

of discrimination and hate crime. The rapid spread of disinformation risks undermining trust

in the measures and institutions essential to containing the virus. Women have taken on

a disproportionate share of caring responsibilities prompted by the closure of schools and

support services, endangering hard-fought progress towards gender equality.

The gradual reduction in the constraints on our lives shines the light on us, on our personal

and social responsibility to contain the pandemic and mitigate its effects. Delivering on

that responsibility, both individually and collectively, is our greatest fundamental rights

challenge going forward.

Michael O’Flaherty

Director

Foreword