COVID-19 and Children’s Rights

Children who contract COVID-19 appear to have less severe symptoms and lower mortality rates compared to other age groups. In a range of other ways, however, the COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating effect on children. Over 1.5 billion students are out of school, and job and income loss and economic insecurity are likely to increase rates of child labour, exploitation, teenage pregnancy and child marriage. Quarantine and other social distancing measures may also increase domestic violence. These effects can have far-reaching and long-term negative impacts on the well-being of children all over the world. 

This report outlines key human rights risks to children related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also outlines steps that governments should take in order to protect children’s rights during the crisis.