ABSTRACT
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, risk communication became a paramount tool in seeking to abate the spread of the coronavirus across the globe. Yet, it soon became clear that some people did not act according to instructions. The virus spread more rapidly among some groups in society, even as they believed they followed guidance and instructions. Communications experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and human rights actors soon argued that there was a communication gap. Translation, interpretation, and adaptation of information as well as participation of community leaders are factors needed to ensure that all members of society comprehend COVID-19 risk communication in their own language and on their own terms. Being able to make informed decisions in times of a pandemic is both a matter of saving lives and securing the human rights of everyone. The right to information is a core component of international human rights. It requires governments to provide physical access to information, but it is unfortunately rather silent about cognitive access. Since there is increased risk that health crises will become recurring phenomena, this chapter suggests that a more enlightened interpretation of the right to information in human rights law is needed.
