Pandemic Justice

Pandemic Justice and Right to Health – Project Brief

LST supports a vigilant civic watch and review of the management of the pandemic and its impact on the people’s

right to health and livelihoods in the aftermath of the pandemic and the economic crisis.

This project aims to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law and public accountability that must continue to operate during crisis.

This initiative fosters a positive approach to accessing the right to health. While it is aimed at communities and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent political-economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the project is rooted in LST’s overarching goal of advocating for social justice and addresses critical issues that have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, challenging their universal right to health.

Since gaining independence, Sri Lanka has championed a universal healthcare system. However, the implementation of neoliberal economic policies since 1978 favoring private healthcare over investments in public healthcare, exacerbated disparities and compromised citizens’ access to basic healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis intensified challenges to accessing healthcare, affecting even those who are relatively well-off.

Key objectives of the project include understanding people’s experiences during the pandemic, their perceptions of the right to health, and the protection it requires. It also examines the symbiotic relationship between the public and private healthcare systems and it will explore the necessary policy interventions required to support the right to health in Sri Lanka, even in the context of the economic crisis.

Sri-Lanka_SCORE_Ministry-of-Justice-Mobile-Clinic-in-Jaffna_31-Oct-2022

Protesters carrying the Sri Lanka flag march in the Galle Face Green area of Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 17, 2022. (Atul Loke/The New York Times)

The ongoing activities include:

Constituting a People’s Commission on Pandemic Justice and Right to Health
Organizing public hearings, including focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather information on the violation of people’s right to health during the pandemic and subsequent political-economic crisis period.
A community survey covering diverse occupational and ethnic groups across the country
Developing policy manuals
Record hearings and synthesize policy reports to drive reforms and ensure accountability.
Creating social media materials
Advocacy to support people’s struggles in searching for accountability, policy recommendations and other social interventions to advance the right to health.

The project contributes to advancing LST’s vision of a society based upon human dignity for all. Previously LST has addressed specific areas such as mental health, wellness, chronic disease, palliative care, emergency care, maternal and reproductive health, and children’s and elders’ health. Through targeted efforts, we strive to be a catalyst for critical thinking and progress in these domains.

The project addresses knowledge gaps existing among public and healthcare service providers in terms of the right to health, provides a platform for citizens to voice expectations and criticisms regarding their right to health and the gathered knowledge will improve the health system.

The primary beneficiaries of the Project include individuals and communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. It also provides a platform for the state to engage with citizens on issues relating to health. By prioritizing their needs, the project aims to create sustainable, long-term positive change in society.

Research objectives and expected outcomes:

The main donor of the project is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

Project updates:

The project was initiated in October 2023 and it has made substantial progress.

It has established the project team, engaging with a core team of commissioners and engaging further with potential commissioners.

The People’s Commission for Pandemic Justice comprises experts in a diverse range of fields including public health, labor rights, education, law, and social sciences.

Together, we can make a difference and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future, in which the right to health of every citizen is ensured.

Civic Watch on Covid (Completed)

A 12-month monitoring and reporting initiative to support active citizenship during the COVID-19 pandemic

Active citizenship is manifested through democratic dialogue and active listening between the government and citizens and inclusive citizen participation in democratic decision-making processes depends on the creation and availability of civic spaces.

This project aimed to strengthen democratic institutions, rule of law and public accountability during this crisis through a vigilant civic watch.

While the government was challenged to make rapid decisions in an unchartered context, citizens must ensure that this necessity is not abused to make unilateral and arbitrary decisions as well. There remains the necessity to consult independent professionals and experts and use established democratic institutions and processes and transparent administrative structures. Citizens in a functioning democracy must never lose their agency and governments must strive to garner public trust even as they make difficult decisions.