The National Human Rights Commission has noticed with deep concern and fear, the public’s total disregard and law enforcement agencies’ non-enforcement of guidelines for the prevention of Covid-19.
A statement made available to on Tuesday and signed by Emmanuel D. Joof, chairperson NHRC, said that “social distancing, wearing of facemasks, avoidance of public gatherings and events especially and other guidelines are disregarded with absolute apathy.”
The guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“By all indication, the statistics show an exponential increase in our Covid-19 infection rate and already families have lost loved ones, some of whom are breadwinners and community pillars, to the pandemic. The recent detection of the UK variant of Covid-19 is even more worrisome as this variant is said to be more contagious and deadlier,” said the NHRC.
The Commission noted that mega-events continue to be organised and their organisers are music promoters, political leaders and political parties who the public look up to for guidance in these trying times.
It reminded them that the protection of the public from Covid-19 should be placed above everything else.
The statement also said the Government has the obligation to guarantee the fundamental human rights of the people, because it has a duty to protect all and sundry and to ensure enforcement and implementation of the safety guidelines regarding Covid-19 prevention.
“The National Human Rights Commission wishes to reiterate that we can only win the fight against COVID-19 when we all exercise personal responsibility in the observance of the WHO guidelines, and the political leaders leading by example. It is only through compliance with the law, respect for human rights and dignity and ‘being each other’s keeper’, we will overcome this pandemic,” the Commission underlined.
