Attacks on Colleagues & Related Abuses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

From September-October 2022, the CHR hosted a webcast series examining threats and attacks against science and health researchers and practitioners connected to their work to combat the spread of COVID-19, alongside related implications for internationally protected human rights. The webcasts have been viewed more than 4,000 times, and the recordings can be accessed on the individual event pages. A release event for the series’ Proceedings—in Brief, to be held in April 2023, will explore practical steps for addressing attacks on colleagues.

The Targeting of Scientists and Public Health Professionals

In the first webcast of the series, leading experts discussed the implications of these attacks, for targeted individuals and for society, and possibilities for addressing them. The panel examined new research findings related to threats and harassment against U.S. public health officials showing an alarming upward trend in efforts to undermine public health authority, which is contributing to an exodus of workers from the field. This presentation was followed by a panel discussion in which speakers discussed their own experiences with targeting and provided suggestions for individuals and institutions to help address and prevent such attacks.

Global Patterns of COVID-19-related Violence against Health Workers

In many countries, the pandemic has increased existing violence against physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, partly due to widespread fear and mis/disinformation. This session gathered experts from the global health community to explore this worrying development, examine factors driving violence in conflict zones, and discuss strategies being taken to protect and safeguard the rights of health personnel. The panel also discussed a report by the International Council of Nurses, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Hospital Federation, and World Medical Association on current practices to prevent, reduce, or mitigate violence against health care.

Censorship and the Right to Information during the Pandemic

This webcast examined global concerns regarding governmental repression of public health information related to the pandemic through use of criminal law and other means. The panelists discussed the challenge of protecting freedom of expression and access to information during the pandemic, while addressing concerns regarding mis- and disinformation. The speakers highlighted the dangers of curtailing freedom of scientific expression and inquiry, which is essential to holding scientists, governments, and businesses to account, and noted that censorship of scientific debate not only undermines scientific and academic freedom, but also poses significant risks to public health and safety.

Reflections on Science Communication & Human Rights amid Public Health Emergencies

This panel examined science communication during public health emergencies, the role of public health researchers and journalists in advancing human rights, and emerging lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists discussed their personal experiences trying to communicate effectively and battle mis- and disinformation during the pandemic. They also discussed ways to foster trust between scientists and the public, including by making efforts to make scientific processes more transparent and easier to understand for non-scientists and elevating voices already trusted by communities.

Constructing a Human Rights Framework for Online Health-Related Speech

Panelists discussed concerns related to freedom of expression and access to information during public health emergencies and inaccurate health information shared online, as well as possibilities for a human rights-based approach to the regulation of online health-related speech. Panelists also discussed tools available to private platforms to help guide their decision -making in this space, which include making use of independent review mechanisms and fact-checkers, labeling content, and limiting the sharing or distribution of certain content.