COVID-19: Equality & Human Rights Impact & Resources

Evidence of inequalities based on race and naitonality:

Black And Asian People ‘Up To Twice As Likely To Be Infected With Coronavirus’ 

The analysis, published in the EClinical Medicine by The Lancet, is based on pooled data from more than 18 million people who had taken part in 50 studies in the UK and US.

"The study comes days after the government faced questions over why those from BAME backgrounds are not mentioned on the vaccine priority list".

The disproportionate impact on people of colour is devastating. COVID has surfaced and highlighted pre-existing inequalities. This was rapidly evidenced by the Hidden in Plain Sight report, highlightng these inequalities:

" Overrepresentation of BAME populations in lower socio-economic groups.

 multi-family and multi-generational household leading to increased risk of transmission

due to the lockdown.

 disproportionate employment in lower band key worker roles who either work in high

exposure care environments or are unable to implement safe social distancing due to

their roles.

 co-morbidity exposure risks especially for CVD, diabetes, renal conditions and complex

multi-morbidities in ICU.

 Increased health and care setting COVID-19 exposure risks. "

The British Medical Association (BMA) reports on the disproportionate impact of COVID on Black, Asian and minority ethnic NHS staff.

Public Health England published an inital report in June highlighting the Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19. However, this was not a complete analysis, as the key recomendations were not included in this publication by the UK Government. Shortly afterwards,  a follow up Public Health England report: Beyond the data: Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on BAME groups includes stakeholder views and key recomendations.

The King's Fund highlights initial evidence in the UK and US of higher COVID related mortality rates for black and minority ethnic (BAME) people. Whilst UK mortality data must be analysed to factor the demographics of the higher populated areas like London, which have higher mortality rates at the moment. However, the data raises some stark questions, particularly the high of BAME NHS staff mortality (60% of staff who are known to have died from COVID are BAME, but only make up 20% of NHS staff). The King's Fund is calling for a review to answer the following questions:

1. Why are people from ethnic minorities disproportionately affected by Covid-19 

 2. What will we do about it?

The article highlights what NHS staff and leaders can commit to make a postive difference

Issues:

• Health inequalities:

Global data appears to show that men are more likely to need critical care if they have COVID-19 and more likely to die.

• Gender based violence

In times of crisis and natural disasters, there is a documented rise in domestic abuse[1]. As normal life shuts down, victims – who are usually women – can be exposed to abusers for long periods of time and cut off from social and institutional support.

Where to get help:

Women's Aid UK

UK Gov 

International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2022) (hosted by Mystic Mag)

• Economic hardship

The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will very likely result in a recession in the EU. Those in precarious employment are particularly vulnerable to economic hardship. Women are more likely to be in temporary, part-time and precarious employment than men.

• Unpaid care and housework

Even in 'non-crisis' times, family caring and housework responsibilities often fall heavily on women. Although working from home makes it more feasible to juggle many of these responsibilities, the added dimension of unplanned homeschooling is adding to this load.  On the other hand, with both parents spending more time at home, it could also be an opportunity for fathers, or same sex parents who usually work away more, to engage more in caring for their children.

"The situation for single parents can be even more difficult, especially when having to juggle working from home and caring for children alone. Single parents are also more likely to be at risk of poverty, compared to single people, or people in couples with and without children[2]. Women make up almost 85% of all single parents in the EU and almost half (48 %) are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared to a third (32 %) of single fathers[3]. Covid-19 is likely to increase that risk."

 The impact of COVID from a lens of religion and belief is deep and wide. From the experiences of people not able to wash and bury their loved ones in accordance with their beliefs to the shock of the sudden suspension of communital faith gatherings.  So many faith based groups have organised to support communities, having a huge postive impact.

The institute of Development Studies highlights its findings of the religious impact here

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans(LGBT) people are more likely to be socially isolated, experience domestic violence, have poor mental health or substance misuse issues and therefore have a more difficult experience of lock down.  The LGBT Foundation have produced a good summary of this 

Some Trans and Non-binary people have had their HRT and medical treatment suspended.

The LGBT Foundation's report Hidden Figures "shines a light on some of the experiences of LGBT people and the very real impact that the pandemic is having on their lives. 

October 2020: EHRC Report: How coronavirus

has affected equality and human rights. 

Includes findings and recomendations in the areas of:

• Work
• Poverty
• Education
• Social care 
• Justice and personal security

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - OHCHR - has produced a series of country-specific infographics based on recommendations made by treaty bodies and other human rights mechanisms that it assesses as being particularly relevant in responding to the pandemic and its consequences.

Here is the UK's.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission  have collated their work on human rights and COVID-19 here.  They have committed to update this page  regularly. 

Identifying needs of the workforce rapidly transitioning to home and remote working. What is the impact when / if staff transition back to site based working 

There are reports of older people being pressured into agreeing a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation orders

People who live alone, are over 70 years old and have no internet access are particularly vulnerable. Local support is being provided by voluntary sector organisations and housing organisations.   

Ashton Applewhite author of This Chair Rocks blog about the pandemic exposing underlying ageism.

Whilst much of the focus has been on the impact of COVID on older people, Young Minds publlished a report highighting the impact on young people with mental health needs. The report highlights the huge toll taken on the mental health of young people, related to increased loneliness, isolation anxiety, and loss of structure and motivation.

The impact on young people has significantly increased through 2020, with confusing rules and disruption to schools. Students at universities, particularly first years in student campuses have had months of disruption, being locked in, and uncertainty. COVID  has put a magnifying glass on so many inequalities, and this is no less evident in the widening gap in terms of access to job opportunities for young people in 2020. 

This IPA blog highlights the Impact of Lockdown on Young People during the Covid-19 Outbreak.