The Rights Track

In Episode 4 of Series 6, Todd is in conversation with Alison Brysk, Professor of Global Governance at the University of California. Alison’s recent work has focused on the global impact of Covid-19 on human rights. In this episode, she reflects on the disproportionate impacts of the virus and explains why she believes that human rights are an integral part of the pathway out of the pandemic. 00.00-03.58 Todd begins by asking Alison to reflect on the idea of Covid-19 as a threat to democracy and human rights. Alison starts by talking about a citizenship gap, that is, people “out of place” physically, socially or in terms of status, for example: Refugees  Migrants Internally displaced people She argues that Covid-19 has intensified that threat, particularly for vulnerable groups who have become subject to increased levels of mobility tracking and surveillance. She refers to examples from Brazil, India and the treatment of Native Americans in the USA. 03.58-07.16 Todd moves on to discuss concerns around the