CHRAJ urges public to respect lockdown protocols

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Thursday advised members of the public in the lockdown areas to respect the lawful directives relating to the restriction of movement to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The Commission said in order not to occasion any misunderstanding with the lawfully constituted Operation COVID Safety Security Taskforce Force as it carries out its legal duties, people in the lockdown enclaves should adhere to the restrictive protocols.

In a statement signed by Mr Joseph Whittal, CHRAJ Commissioner and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, it lauded efforts by both the Government and the Operation COVID Safety team in protecting public safety during the lockdown.

The Commission, however, noted that, it was equally imperative that the efforts at enforcing the law to safeguard public health and public safety should not be oblivious of the limitations imposed by the Constitution and International Human Rights Instruments.”

The Commission commended the initiative so far taken by government in combating the COVID -19 pandemic in the interest of public health and safety.

It recounted that the initiative has culminated in the enactment of the Imposition of Restrictions Act, Act 1020 of 2020, which is anchored on Article 21(4) (c) (d) and (e) of the 1992 Constitution.

CHRAJ said the Act gives legal effect to the restriction or curtailment of fundamental rights and freedoms in circumstances of national emergency or disaster to safeguard public health and public safety.

“We will therefore be remiss of our duty if we fail to call on the Government and all who have the duty to enforce the lockdown to do so in a manner that would protect the dignity of the public, including those found to have breached the Executive Order,” CHRAJ stated.

CHRAJ said it was mindful of the logistical and operational constraints being faced by security personnel generally, but they owe it a duty to all to act proportionately in the performance of their duties, particularly regarding arrests and assaults.

In this regard, CHRAJ, therefore, advised the High Command of the Security Services to take necessary steps to strengthen the professional standards and behaviour of the security personnel to ensure that they operate within the ambit of the Constitution as well as within International Human Rights Instruments.

The statement said while the excesses reported on may not be widespread, the nation risks sliding into the slippery ground if they are not held in check immediately and hold accountable those who may indulge in excesses.

In addition, it is imperative for the authorities to improve operational standards based on benchmarks set out, in the UN Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms which are aimed at guiding security personnel to act proportionately to avoid torture and abuse of power even in war and emergency situations.