Participation in the design of responses to the crisis is a right, and is the smart thing to do. (OHCHR, May 2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally undermined democratic processes, including the right to participation. Authorities rarely consulted CSOs or the public at large when they designed or implemented measures in the wake of the virus.
This is problematic and indeed, a missed opportunity, because numerous CSOs have actually responded to the pandemic, quickly, efficiently and effectively. By playing a vital role in their communities, they gain easier information on the needs from the ground and have the community’s trust. The governments could benefit from such nuanced knowledge when they develop local policies. This is relevant not only in the current situation, but also after the crisis is over and during any future crisis. Such information and cooperation with the public and CSOs could ensure that measures:
- are based on evidence;
- take into consideration the impact on different sectors of the community, in particular the most vulnerable and marginalised;
- are not disproportionate, overbroad, and counter-productive; and
- create more trust in and compliance with these measures.
The pandemic has shown that no state can act alone in the face of a health crisis of such a scale. It is the thousands of associations that have ensured the presence and facilitated the lives of millions of citizens. Will these actions be recognized by decision makers in the post-pandemic period and during a possible new pandemic crisis? Will associations and the non-profit sector be a priority for governments? We need to think about participation in a sustainable way and build an institutional support for a systematic participation which includes vulnerable and marginalized groups and effective assistance.
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