COVID-19’s emergence across the world has clearly demonstrated how important it is for governments to develop a robust, scientific and evidence-based public health response. However, COVID-19 does not exist in a science and health vacuum, and the Human Rights Commission’s job is to take a broader view when assessing the Government’s response.

Human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are essential in building an inclusive and legitimate response to national crises. Inextricably linked to human rights and Te Tiriti, the goal of social cohesion should inform any approach towards the threat presented by the virus.