Amnesty International is conducting research on the human rights impact of state policies in response to Covid-19, in particular how they affect people who are already targeted by criminalization, including sex workers, LGBTI people, people who use drugs, pregnant people in need of safe abortion, people at risk of homelessness and others.
The focus is on governments’ responses to the pandemic that have worsened inequalities and have posed particular risks and challenges for marginalized communities, particularly where states have placed widespread reliance on punitive measures to enforce restrictions based on public health goals (by using fines, arrests, loss of licenses, etc.)
Activists have raised alarm that the impact of this punitive approach has hit hardest marginalized communities, however, the experiences and perspectives of people who were already targeted by criminalization is not yet well understood by governments, policy makers or among the public. We hope to collaborate with partner organizations to raise voices of marginalized communities and individuals who have not been so visible in narratives around the impact of Covid-19.
We have developed an online survey and will conduct also a number of interviews with partners and people directly affected. The research findings will be published in a global briefing aiming to increase understanding of the injustice and increased challenges faced because of criminalization approaches to public health, sexuality and reproduction.
We would like to get in touch with partners working with communities and groups affected by criminalization – sex workers, LGBTI people, people who use drugs, pregnant people in need of safe abortion, people at risk of homelessness and others. We are aiming to amplify existing research and complement any gaps -rather than repeat work already done and appreciate links and details of research or reports your organization has already published. Please get in touch with us if you are interested to collaborate and we will share a link to the survey, which is available in several different languages. We will keep all information strictly anonymous and protect the confidentiality of respondents. If you want to take part in the survey but have specific security concerns and would prefer to use an alternative platform, please let us know and we will make alternative arrangements.
Our contact email is: criminalizationandcovid@amnesty.org ; PHOTO: AFP via Getty Images, Amnesty.org, May 2021