2020 - 28 October

EPSU/Amnesty International joint presentation of the report ” EXPOSED, SILENCED, ATTACKED: FAILURES TO PROTECT HEALTH AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC”

The European Public Service Unions (EPSU) and Amnesty International are pleased to present our joint webinar on the situation of health workers during COVID-19, which will include the presentation of Amnesty International’s recent report “EXPOSED, SILENCED, ATTACKED: FAILURES TO PROTECT HEALTH AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC”.

The discussion will be held on 28 October 2020, from 16.00 to 17.30 CET, on the Zoom platform.
Attached is a draft outline of the event.
Interpretation will be available in EN, FR and ES

Amnesty International and EPSU join forces for this event as both our organisations have long been advocating to defend and recognize the role of healthcare workers during this pandemic. As the second wave of COVID-19 is already in full swing in many regions and member states, taking stock of the lessons learnt in the first part of 2020 and reflecting on how to better protect our healthcare workers is more important than ever. Our core message is clear: Applauses are not enough. Workers deserve more. Strong public health care systems, better pay, and more staff are needed to create a more resilient sector. Together, we want to open an urgently needed debate about the future of health and social care.

This  recent  Amnesty International report has drawn a shocking conclusion:  “Exposed, Silenced, Attacked” and recent follow up research to it reveals that at least 7,000 health workers have died around the world after contracting COVID-19. For others, the immense pressure of lacking protective equipment and a lack of preparation and protocols have led to exhaustion, anxiety and depression. In addition, in several countries, instead of being supported, health and essential workers are facing reprisals from the state and from their employers for speaking out about their working conditions or for criticising the authorities’ response.

Following a presentation on the key findings of this report, we will hear what governments  must do to comply with their human rights obligations and adequately protect the rights of health and essential workers. Health workers then will provide insight of the current situation in hospitals in several countries in Europe.

We look forward to welcoming you to this important discussion.

INVITATION

AGENDA

Healthworkers Presentation  - Stephen Cockburn

Amnesty International presentation - in ES