Gender

The current pandemic has disproportionately adversely impacted women and girls, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Steps should be taken to ensure a gendered response to the ongoing global health emergency, and that women and girls are put at the centre of recovery efforts.

Indigenous Rights

Indigenous rights are neglected at the best of times, then little wonder that COVID-19’s impact has been all the more severe during these worst of times. No one should be left behind during the current crisis, least of all the rights of Indigenous women and girls.

Violence

Domestic violence has surged among Indigenous communities, impacting most heavily on women, youth, and gender-diverse people.

Detention

The COVID-19 pandemic has put Indigenous women in detention at increased risk and under immense stress. Emerging best international practice offers an abundance of advice to detaining authorities on how to respond to this new reality.

Health

The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of Indigenous communities has been impacted by COVID-19. Measures should be taken to protect the right to health of Indigenous women and girls in accordance with best practice.

Water and Food Security

COVID-19 has been economically ruinous for numerous Indigenous communities, many of which were previously labouring under considerable stress. In these trying economic and social conditions, the challenge of ensuring water and food security is essential for the well-being of Indigenous women and their families.

Housing Rights

The right to housing is deeply anchored in international human rights law and represents a frontline defence against the COVID-19 outbreak. The financial fallout and related poverty resulting from the current pandemic are not grounds for home evictions or house repossessions.

Human Rights

Whether we are Indigenous or not, male or female, young or old, disabled or able-bodied, we are all in this together. Everyone’s rights must be protected during the current global health emergency.