The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has issued a reminder to Government and the community that despite what happens with COVID-19, Victoria’s human rights law, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, continues to operate.
The Commission reminded that the Charter requires all public authorities, including Victoria Police and individuals working in public health, housing and social services organisations, to properly consider and to act in accordance with human rights as they make decisions, develop policies and deliver services.
“In the days ahead, we’ll be working closely with Government, public authorities and civil society to monitor and support human rights compliance, and to ensure that community members are aware of their rights,” the Commission said.
“We will also be providing community leaders with information about human rights so they can support members of their communities,” it said.
With reference to the lockdown inside public housing, the Commission said it needed to be managed fairly and flexibly to take particular care of people’s individual circumstances and vulnerabilities, “whether it be disability, mental illness, dependency on drugs and alcohol, or risk of family violence.”
The Commission said the lockdown also needed to be done with consideration for the needs of Aboriginal people and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
It said it was also vital that the Government facilitate and coordinate access to essential services, including legal assistance, which was crucial to preserving rights during lockdown measures.
The Commission called on anyone affected by the lockdown who had concerns or questions about the impact on their human rights to contact it.
