Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires the introduction of tough unprecedented measures, it is especially important to observe the rule of law, transparency and respect for human rights and dignity. With such a mandate, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus spoke at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum 9 ½ “Laws of the Coronavirus”, devoted to the legal aspects of public life in the current pandemic.

Addressing the participants of the virtual forum, the head of WHO emphasized that the pandemic caused not only a health crisis, but also socio-economic upheavals. The guarantee of stability and normal functioning of countries, he said, is the rule of law. Compliance with the rule of law is necessary not only in peacetime, but even more sharply - in situations of instability and uncertainty.

Tedros Ghebreyesus recalled that at the international level, the international health rules constitute the legal basis for emergency health work.

“The main goal of the International Health Regulations is to prevent the spread of diseases on an international scale and to counteract them, while minimizing violations in the movement of personnel and goods - in this case, medical supplies, food and other essentials,” he explained adding that the provisions of the International Rules should be implemented with strict respect for dignity, human rights and fundamental civil liberties.

“Compliance with the rule of law plays an extremely important role in the fight against a pandemic,” says the WHO Director-General. “As countries make efforts to curb the spread of the virus and mitigate its effects, there are many social problems that need to be addressed with legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations.”

As the head of WHO reminded, governments manage hospitals, medical equipment and supplies, isolate thousands of people, quarantine tens of thousands of people who have contacted patients and “lock up” millions of people in their homes.

Many countries have introduced extremely strict measures to maintain social distance: they closed borders, declared a state of emergency, quarantined cities and entire countries, closed schools and private enterprises.

“In a crisis, these unprecedented measures are aimed at restraining the spread of the virus and thus protect their own citizens and“ smooth the curve ”of the growth of new infections,” Tedros Ghebreyesus said. “But by introducing such restrictions, the authorities are obliged to respect human dignity and the rights of citizens in accordance with the International Health Regulations, regional human rights instruments, including the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The head of WHO emphasized that governments should ensure transparency and regularly inform citizens about how and for how long certain measures will be implemented. “It is imperative that governments explain to the population that as soon as the crisis is over, these measures will be canceled and life will return to normal.”

It was mentioned that during this difficult time it was necessary to provide special protection and support to vulnerable groups of the population, including the elderly, refugees and persons with disabilities. “We are particularly worried about reports from many countries about the rise in domestic violence in the context of home quarantine,” said the head of WHO. “This problem should be a subject of special attention in all countries.”

The World Health Organization, together with experts and other international organizations, is studying the application of health legislation in the current pandemic and will present its recommendations to countries.

“COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on society, but we must not allow it to undermine the foundations of our society,” the speaker concluded. “History will judge us not only by whether we can cope with this epidemic, but also by how we do it.”