CHR: Don’t let fear over new coronavirus fuel race discrimination

MANILA, Philippines — Fear caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) should not result in the discrimination of other people and races, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) appealed to the public Friday.

While it is human to be afraid of the outbreak, CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said it should not be a reason for the ill-treatment of other people.

“What is equally concerning is on how this outbreak has also resulted to undue discrimination against other people and race,” De Guia said in a statement.

“With the world confronted with a virus with little information known, it is human to be afraid. But we must not allow hysteria and paranoia result in othering and irrational treatment of people,” she added.

De Guia urged the public as well as the government to base actions on science and correct information.

“CHR calls for allowing science and reason to guide government and individual actions, as well as using correct information in preventing the further spread of 2019-nCoV ARD. Putting a halt to rumor-mongering and the spread of false information demand collective action,” De Guia said.

Meanwhile, the CHR stressed the need for the entire government to respond to the outbreak, and not only putting the responsibility on the Department of Health (DOH).

“A situation of this scale is not a sole concern of one agency, but demands the attention of the entire government as the primary responsible for every person’s right to health—encompassing all aspects of addressing an outbreak from detection to mitigation,” De Guia said.

” We commend all health professionals, here and overseas, who continue to combat this virus. As duty-bearers for our rights, we have the right to demand better services from the government,” she added.

As of Thursday, there are already three confirmed cases of nCoV infection in the country, while 133 individuals are under investigation of being infected, the DOH reported.

Edited by MUF