Upholding the rights of immigrants during COVID 19

Abstract

Humans have relocated to new places since time immemorial. The reasons for relocation differ from case to case, and include reuniting with relatives, looking for better work and life opportunities, along with escaping repression and mistreatment. Migrants do qualify for similar basic freedom insurances as the citizens of a state; however, the privileges of foreigners can be restricted in certain spheres, like political participation.1 Several basic liberty arrangements like the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) stand against any type of separation dependent on an individual's identity, and instead require that states ensure that the basic liberties of such individuals are secured in an equivalent manner.2 Furthermore, settlers, especially individuals who are particularly vulnerable, are given unique insurances under international human rights laws to handle circumstances where their privileges are at the most elevated danger, like in cases of work environments, confinement or travel.3