THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AS A TEST FOR THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND A CHALLENGE TO LABOUR RIGHTS

Abstract

Now almost forgotten, as if it had never happened, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed numerous challenges in the realization and protection of human rights, as well as the global unpreparedness and sluggishness in responding to the health crisis that began in China at the end of 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a global crisis that severely tested the concept of human rights, particularly in the area of labour relations. The introduction of emergency measures to protect public health led to restrictions on certain rights and freedoms, raising important questions about the balance between public interest and the protection of individual rights. Labour rights came under particular pressure: mass transitions to remote work, increased risks for workers in key sectors, the erosion of social security, and limitations on trade union activities are just some of the challenges faced by workers and employers.
This paper aims to highlight the key impacts of the pandemic on human and labour rights through normative, institutional, and practical frameworks, and to offer guidance for future action in similar crisis situations.