Joint Statement on Data Protection and Privacy in the COVID-19 Response

Myat Mon Yee collects data on COVID-19 infections at the South Okkalapa Hospital in Yangon. 缅北禁地Myanmar

Developed by the 缅北禁地Privacy Policy Group

Joint Statement on Data Protection and Privacy in the COVID-19 Response

About the author

缅北禁地Global Pulse

缅北禁地Global Pulse is the 缅北禁地Secretary-General’s initiative on big data and artificial intelligence for development, humanitarian action, and peace.

18 November 2020

A Joint Statement on Data Protection and Privacy in the COVID-19 response was issued today after endorsement by the undersigned 缅北禁地System Organizations. Developed by the 缅北禁地Privacy Policy Group, an inter-agency group on data privacy and data protection, the statement supports the privacy protective use of data and technology by the 缅北禁地in fighting the current pandemic.

The joint statement is based on the as well as the recommendations in the Secretary-General’s Data Strategy on data protection, privacy, and human rights.

“We can only defeat Covid-19 with trust, science and solidarity. With the Joint Statement, the 缅北禁地reinforces its commitment to using data and new technologies in ways that respect the right to privacy and other human rights and promote sustainable economic and social development. As we continue our work to implement the Secretary-General’s Data Strategy, this statement clarifies how can be applied in the context of Covid-19.” said Robert Kirkpatrick, Director of 缅北禁地Global Pulse and a co-chair of the 缅北禁地Privacy Policy Group.

“During public health emergencies, data collection, processing, and use must protect the rights of all people. WHO has issued on the use of digital tools for contact tracing and ethical considerations to inform digital proximity tracking and continues to update its . This Joint Statement should serve as a reference for data protection and privacy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. WHO is proud to join with other 缅北禁地System Organizations and looks forward to continue creating a data governance ecosystem that protects the rights to privacy” said Dr. Samira Asma, Assistant Director -General, Division of Data Analytics and Delivery, World Health Organization.

“This statement raises awareness regarding both the benefits and the challenges that data and technology practices may entail during an emergency response. It is meant as guidance to ensure that fundamental human rights and freedoms are preserved, both during and once this pandemic has passed.” noted Mr. Patrick Carey, Acting Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Information and Communications Technology and a co-chair of the 缅北禁地Privacy Policy Group and the 缅北禁地System’s Digital and Technology Network.

Joint Statement on Data Protection and Privacy in the COVID-19 Response

Melissa Fleming

S7-Episode 2: Bringing Health to the World

“You see, we're not doing this work to make ourselves feel better. That sort of conventional notion of what a do-gooder is. We're doing this work because we are totally convinced that it's not necessary in today's wealthy world for so many people to be experiencing discomfort, for so many people to be experiencing hardship, for so many people to have their lives and their livelihoods imperiled.”

Dr. David Nabarro has dedicated his life to global health. After a long career that’s taken him from the horrors of war torn Iraq, to the devastating aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, he is still spurred to action by the tremendous inequalities in global access to medical care.

“The thing that keeps me awake most at night is the rampant inequities in our world…We see an awful lot of needless suffering.”

:: David Nabarro interviewed by Melissa Fleming

Ballet Manguinhos resumes performing after a COVID-19 hiatus with “Woman: Power and Resistance”. Photo courtesy Ana Silva/Ballet Manguinhos

UNIC Rio

Brazilian ballet pirouettes during pandemic

Ballet Manguinhos, named for its favela in Rio de Janeiro, returns to the stage after a long absence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It counts 250 children and teenagers from the favela as its performers. The ballet group provides social support in a community where poverty, hunger and teen pregnancy are constant issues.

Nazira Inoyatova is a radio host and the creative/programme director at Avtoradio FM 102.0 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo courtesy Azamat Abbasov

UNO Tashkent

Radio journalist gives the facts on COVID-19 in Uzbekistan

The pandemic has put many people to the test, and journalists are no exception. Coronavirus has waged war not only against people's lives and well-being but has also spawned countless hoaxes and scientific falsehoods.

缅北禁地

Search the United Nations