Violation of rights of vulnerable groups during states of emergency

Lack of protection of vulnerable groups during disasters

Nature

The violation of rights of vulnerable groups during states of emergency refers to the disproportionate infringement of civil, political, and socio-economic rights experienced by marginalized populations—such as minorities, refugees, persons with disabilities, women, and children—when governments implement extraordinary measures. Emergencies, including armed conflict, pandemics, or natural disasters, often lead to the suspension of legal protections, increased discrimination, and limited access to essential services. These conditions exacerbate pre-existing inequalities, leaving vulnerable groups at heightened risk of abuse, neglect, and exclusion, and raising significant concerns regarding the balance between public security and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Background

The heightened vulnerability of marginalized groups during states of emergency gained global attention after reports of targeted abuses during the 1970s Latin American dictatorships and South Africa’s apartheid-era crackdowns. Subsequent crises, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the COVID-19 pandemic, further exposed systemic patterns of discrimination and neglect. International human rights organizations have since documented recurring violations, prompting calls for stronger safeguards and monitoring mechanisms in emergency contexts worldwide.

Incidence

States of emergency, declared in response to crises such as armed conflict, pandemics, or natural disasters, have frequently led to the suspension of fundamental rights, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups including minorities, refugees, and persons with disabilities. Reports from organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch indicate that, globally, such measures have resulted in increased arbitrary detention, restricted access to essential services, and heightened discrimination, with incidents documented across continents in both developed and developing nations.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities in Myanmar imposed a state of emergency following a military coup. Security forces targeted ethnic minorities and pro-democracy activists, leading to widespread reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Claim

The violation of rights of vulnerable groups during states of emergency is a grave and urgent problem. History shows that crises are often exploited to silence, marginalize, and abuse those least able to defend themselves. Such injustices not only deepen inequality but also erode the very foundations of democracy and human dignity. Ignoring these violations is unacceptable; protecting vulnerable groups must be a non-negotiable priority, even—and especially—during emergencies.

Counter-claim

The notion that the rights of vulnerable groups are significantly violated during states of emergency is vastly overstated. In reality, emergency measures are designed to protect the entire population, including the most vulnerable. Safeguards and oversight mechanisms are typically in place to prevent abuse. Focusing on this issue distracts from more pressing concerns, such as restoring order and public safety, which ultimately benefit everyone, including vulnerable groups. This is simply not a major problem.