Human Rights Law and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom Part 2

Abstract

The purpose of this note is to provide some further detail to the human rights law issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. The focus is on setting out the applicable legal rules and, where possible, suggesting how these might apply to current issues. Part 1 of this note concerned: derogation; the overarching duty to protect life; medical treatment of COVID-19 patients; and lockdown and the right to liberty. This note, Part 2 concerns: domestic violence; discrimination; self-imposed restrictions; closure of businesses; access to information; and surveillance and privacy issues arising from lifting lockdown.

Keywords: Human rights, COVID-19, Human Rights Act 1998, European Convention on Human Rights

JEL Classification: K38