What about social rights?
THE EDITOR, Madam:
THE RIGHT to education, decent work, an adequate standard of living, and housing all fall within the realm of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCRs) guaranteed under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESC) of 1966.
Since October 3, 1975, Jamaica has been a party to the covenant, legally binding the Government to ensure that these rights are preserved, respected, and promoted throughout society. Despite this, many Jamaicans exist in circumstances where they are not able to enjoy these rights. These individuals are particularly vulnerable in a world that is under siege by COVID-19.
Already, it can be seen where the curfew imposed on the island as one of several measures to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus is impacting the homeless community, who have no homes to retreat to when the curfew is in effect on any given day.
It is not clear how much is being done at this point to get the homeless off the street.
Also, over a matter of weeks, the unemployment rate has surged, with thousands of individuals having lost their jobs as businesses shutter their doors as they grapple with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has left many people exposed and with no source of income, facing possible starvation and homelessness.
NOT ENOUGH
With no comprehensive socialsecurity programme in place, the Government of Jamaica created the COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees (We CARE) Programme to ease the economic fallout. The programme offers some relief, but I’m afraid that in most cases, it simply may not be enough to sustain the many families that have been affected thus far.
This ad hoc approach in crisis response has exposed the need for a universal social-security programme that is sustainable, especially when it is unclear how long a crisis will last for.
As SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread worldwide, causing economies to slowdown, the Government must be reminded of the need for greater protection and promotion of ESCRs, especially the right to an adequate standard of living, housing, and social security.
NICKOY WILSON
Policy and Advocacy Officer Equality For All Foundation nickoy@equalityjamaica.org