The Committee on the Rights of the Child has issued this statement to warn of the grave physical, emotional and psychological effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and calls on States to protect the rights of children.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child expresses concern about the situation of children globally, particularly those in situations of vulnerability, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many children are gravely affected physically, emotionally and psychologically, especially in countries that have declared states of emergencies and mandatory lockdowns.
In addition to the declaration of ten human rights treaty bodies, the Committee further urges States to respect the rights of the child in taking measures to tackle the public health threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the recommendations, the CRC calls on states to release children in all forms of detention, whenever possible, and provide children who cannot be released with the means to maintain regular contact with their families. This includes children living in institutions or deprived of their liberty.
