4COVID-19: Respecting the rights and dignity of infected persons |07 April 2020
Seychelles is currently in a state of ‘Public Health Emergency’ whereby some fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of movement, right to assemble are being restricted. These measures are being enforced in line with the prescribed legal framework and in the interest of public health. As a civil society organisation responsible for advocating for human rights and democracy, the Association of Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) is supportive of the different measures announced and would like to issue the following statement.
Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which recognises ‘the inherent dignity’ and the ‘equal and unalienable rights of every human being’ the notion of patient rights was developed. In other words, what is owed to the patient as a human being, by physicians and by the state, took shape in large part thanks to this understanding of the basic rights of the person. Patients' rights vary in different countries and in different jurisdictions, often depending upon prevailing cultural and social norms. In Seychelles, we have in place such framework protecting the rights and confidentiality of patients. Hence, Arid is advocating for this right and appealing to all citizens to respect the rights, confidentiality and dignity of persons who have contracted COVID-19 and we call on everyone not to stigmatise, defame or make any remarks that could potentially divulge the identity or compromise the confidentiality of those who are, were or will be admitted in isolation, or infected with the coronavirus. Arid is also publicly expressing its concern about the living condition of some categories of migrant workers namely those in construction industry, security firms and farm workers.
Arid:
Condemns all forms of intimidation and stigmatisation and any form of violation of patients’ confidentiality.
Commends the work being done by the Public Health Commission, Health Authority, all health workers and related agencies in promoting and safeguarding the public health.
Requests all citizens to comply with the different measures put in place and respect the regulations imposed in this period of public health emergency. We all must respect the law and follow the directives given by police and other enforcement agencies.
Calls on both the executive and legislative to act responsibly and conscientiously and in line with all the legal parameters especially when deciding on the monetary measures. And not to use this public health crisis as a political tool.
Appeals to the public health commission to consider the potential risks of migrant workers especially those in construction, security firms and other migrant workers whereby their living conditions are below standard with poor hygienic level. Some are sleeping in same bed, like three adults in a bed, breathing in each other’s nose, sneezing and coughing. We are very concerned.
Upholds the values and principles of national unity and solidarity during this difficult period. We, as a nation, must join together in mind and spirit, do away with politics, grudges or jealousy. This is a national natural disaster. Be mindful.
“In conclusion, Arid would like to call on everyone to act responsibly and comply with the guidelines given by the Public Health Department. We acclaim the media for their active role in providing information to the public in a timely and accurate manner. Let us maintain our social cohesion and solidarityand unite as one Seychelles against the coronavirus.”
(The accompanying photographs give an overview of the pitiful conditions some migrant workers are living in).
Statement from Arid
Photo sources: Arid