The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated many existing human rights issues in the Asia Pacific region. Civil and political rights were often curtailed as public space was either fully closed to civil society voices or severely restricted and harshly policed. In countries in which democratic principles were already subject to being delegitimized or weakened, governments were able to further limit dissent and freedom expression. Disparities in education and governments’ difficulties in delivering reasonable quality education also became more pronounced. Vulnerable and marginalized groups were hit hard and were rendered least able to access support and services. Gender-based inequalities, already a pressing issue in many cross-cutting spheres, was likewise aggravated. Inter-governmental organizations were not generally focused on rights-based responses governance. For all the challenges the region faced, human rights defenders continue to advocate for justice and civil society organizations mobilize to address the impact of the pandemic.
