29 June 2022
- RSIS
- Publication
- External Publications
- Introduction: Covid-19, Responsibility to Protect and Pathways to Human Security
Introduction: Covid-19, Responsibility to Protect and Pathways to Human Security
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has been the most extraordinary human crisis seen in a generation. It has already exacted a high toll on human life and severely threatens the human security of people across the world. The threats to human security range from economic security and personal safety to human rights, underscoring the urgency of providing protection to all affected communities. This chapter summarises the impact of the pandemic and highlights the criticality of advancing the agenda of prevention of atrocities, for vulnerable groups in particular, and the wider community in general. It argues that as countries in East Asia grapple with the impact of this global pandemic, the protection of civilians (POC) agenda needs to be more comprehensive. Expanding the POC agenda beyond its traditional scope to include protection from the consequences of humanitarian emergencies allows for a more proactive approach in mitigating the risk of atrocity crimes.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has been the most extraordinary human crisis seen in a generation. It has already exacted a high toll on human life and severely threatens the human security of people across the world. The threats to human security range from economic security and personal safety to human rights, underscoring the urgency of providing protection to all affected communities. This chapter summarises the impact of the pandemic and highlights the criticality of advancing the agenda of prevention of atrocities, for vulnerable groups in particular, and the wider community in general. It argues that as countries in East Asia grapple with the impact of this global pandemic, the protection of civilians (POC) agenda needs to be more comprehensive. Expanding the POC agenda beyond its traditional scope to include protection from the consequences of humanitarian emergencies allows for a more proactive approach in mitigating the risk of atrocity crimes.
