Durojaye, E.Kgampe, Masechaba Evelyn2025-06-232025-06-232022http://hdl.handle.net/11660/13097Dissertation (LL.M.(Humans Rights))--University of the Free State, 2022In South Africa, COVID-19 prevention and mitigation efforts were unexpected and challenging, with the extended lockdown straining socio-economic activities. Marginalized groups and individuals are particularly vulnerable to unfavorable effects of the pandemic, such as human rights abuse. This study analyzes human rights within the challenges in mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic and has primarily targeted limitations of individual freedoms to shield public mental health. The right to enjoy the appalling physical and mental health standards provides the state with a binding normative obligation for healthcare systems, broader social responses, and international solidarity. The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights recognizes the right to health needs wherein governments take steps to prevent, treat and manage widespread pandemics, endemic activity, and other diseases and to ensure health services and attention in the event of sickness. The appropriate health needs are that health goods, services, and facilities are offered in adequate numbers; accessible on a financial, geographical, and non-discriminatory basis; acceptable, as well as culturally applicable and respectful of gender and medical ethics; and of excellent quality. However, South Africa has imbalanced difficulties in ensuring the provision and accessibility of COVID-19-related health coverage, resulting in shortages in essential medical care, diagnostic tests, and personal protection instrumentation for health care and other front-line staff. In some provinces, self-discipline measures, structural adjustment programs, and user fees have rendered essential services inaccessible for a few vulnerable individuals. This study emphasizes the need to uphold human rights and address the challenges in mental health services in South Africa during the pandemic. South Africa may embed a proactive psychosocial response to medical management and existing prevention strategies.enDissertationUniversity of the Free State