Peaceful protest has long been associated with the Civil Rights movement dating back to the 1960’s. History tells us that a collective show of public expression can change the world. In 2020 protest is still very much needed, but it is vital that people are protected, including from COVID-19. Find advice in the following links.
Image credit: Malaka Gharib/NPR
Practical tips for attending a protest during the coronavirus lockdown
Liberty is an independent membership organisation. They challenge injustice, defend freedom and campaign to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly. Find out how to protest safely here.
Anti-Racism Protests: What Are Your Rights Amid The Pandemic?
EachOther bring together journalists, professional storytellers and creatives to increase public knowledge of and support for human rights.
The right to protest is protected under Articles 10 and 11 of the Convention on Human Rights – the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Both these right are qualified. This means public authorities, such as the police, can take proportionate steps to curtail them if deemed necessary to protect public health and safety, among other reasons. Find out more about your rights here.
Coronavirus: the lockdown laws
This Commons Library briefing paper describes the law enforcing the UK's coronavirus lockdown. It discusses police enforcement of the lockdown and legal commentary of the lockdown rules. The police have new public health powers to disperse gatherings taking place in public spaces but cannot use these powers for public order purposes. This means they can only break up protests using their lockdown powers when they are concerned about the risk of coronavirus spreading. Find out more about Lockdown Laws here.
Policing of protests
The police also have a duty to facilitate peaceful protests. Officers policing protests must now balance this duty with their new task of enforcing lockdown laws. Find out more about the duty of the police at protests here.