THE EFFECT OF PANDEMICS AND EPIDEMICS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: LESSONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AFRICA

Abstract

The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of socio-economic rights and sustainable development not only in Africa but globally. This article discusses the relationship between socio-economic rights and sustainable development. This is followed by a discussion on the impact of pandemics and epidemics on socio-economic rights and the significant effect they can have on the realisation and enjoyment of such rights. Focusing on Africa, the discussion turns to the impact of pandemics and epidemics on sustainable development before looking at the lessons learned from such pandemics and epidemics. Because the recommendations flow from the lessons, these are discussed together. The main recommendation is that a human rights-based approach should be adopted not only in sustainable development but also in any post-pandemic recovery efforts and programmes. Other recommendations include building resilient health systems, addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, prioritising investment in digital technologies and improving social protection systems, among others.

Keywords

• socio-economic rights
• sustainable development
• pandemics
• epidemics
• africa
• lessons
• recommendations