The COVID-19 pandemic is an era of time people are still paying for, and London is no exception. The unique challenges this pandemic brought revealed important vulnerabilities and elicited solidarity from those affected by these issues.
Prison had become a hotspot for COVID-19 due to a variety of factors like limited healthcare resources, overcrowding, difficulties with maintaining social distancing, etc. This prompted the call for advocacy for prisoner rights which human rights organizations, prison reform groups, and legal professionals answered. Measures like early release of low-risk and vulnerable prisoners, access to healthcare, as well as improved hygiene standards were positive improvements implemented to help alleviate the strain COVID-19 produced.
Howard League for the Penal Reform and Prison Reform Trust are examples of groups that have led a campaign that emphasizes the importance of protecting prisoners’ health and well-being, that failing to do so violates their basic human rights. Media outlets and activist groups had worked together to raise awareness of the appalling conditions prisoners were forced to survive in during the pandemic. By utilizing investigative journalism, social media campaigns, and public appeals, they highlighted the issue and urged the government to take action.
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