Coronavirus Could Ravage Africa: Daily Brief
Coronavirus could ravage Africa; Bahrain should free imprisoned rights defenders and activists; Algerian protest leader’s sentence doubled on eve of his release; US should ease sanctions on Iran in COVID-19 crisis; Bangladesh's response to COVID-19 endangers older Rohingya refugees; when social distancing is a priviledge; authoritarianism is bad for your health; anti-Asian racism in Europe; and good news from Singapore.
How have African governments responded to coronavirus? HRW's Africa Director Mausi Segun analyses both good and bad examples, stressing the importance of a rights-based approach to help keep Africa’s population safer by helping curb the virus’ spread.
Bahrain’s significant release of prisoners on March 17 was a welcome relief, as concerns around the spread of COVID-19 continue to rise. However, it wasn't enough: authorities must now speedily release those who never should have been in jail in the first place.
While governments are freeing prisoners to reduce risks of COVID-19 spreading in prisons, Algeria continues to jail dissidents like Karim Tabbou for expressing political views.
The US should take immediate action to ease sanctions on Iran to ensure Iran’s access to essential humanitarian resources during the pandemic.
Flaws in Bangladesh's response to COVID-19 are putting older Rohingya refugees in danger, a new Amnesty report shows.
In many countries, the main instructions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 are to stay at home and practice social distancing. A priviledge that isn't an option for many.
“Authoritarianism is bad for your heath,” writes our China director on China's tackling of the coronavirus. “We may never have a clear picture how the virus spread out and who died and why and who is denied access to treatments.”
Abused and shunned. This is how our colleague Susanné Bergsten feels being of Asian descent in Sweden during the pandemic. Unfortunately, this is part of a rise in Europe – and globally – of anti-Asian abuses spurred by derogatory language used by politicians and media.
Some good news from Singapore, where civil rights activist Jolovan Wham has been released. He was prosecuted solely for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.