COVID-19 and Human Rights

Harassment and discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, age, and disability (including having COVID-19 or another serious illness) is illegal under the New York City Human Rights Law. Following a sharp increase in instances of hostility and harassment directed at Chinese and other Asian communities related to COVID-19 anxiety, the NYC Commission on Human Rights launched a public education campaign affirming the rights and protections of New Yorkers facing discrimination and harassment related to the pandemic.

COVID-19 Campaign Press Release

If you have faced harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in any public place, contact the Commission by filling out our online form or by calling (212) 416-0197. If you are a victim of or witness a hate crime, call 911.

Fact Sheet

Download this fact sheet for additional resources to address bias, harassment, discrimination and to access mental health support.

(Adobe download required)

عربى (Arabic)
বাংলা (Bengali)
简体中文 (Chinese -Simplified)
繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
English
Français (French)
Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)
日本語 (Japanese)
한국어 (Korean)
Polskie (Polish)
русский (Russian)
Español (Spanish)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
اردو (Urdu)
יידיש (Yiddish) 

COVID-19 Response Team

Due to the sharp increase in reports of harassment and discrimination connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission launched a COVID-19 Response Team, comprised of dedicated Law Enforcement and Community Relations staff members with specific expertise that can provide rapid response and strategically engage with impacted communities.

The COVID-19 Response Team quickly and efficiently tracks and responds to harassment and discrimination incidents connected to the pandemic.

COVID-19 Response Team Press Release

Commission Staff Videos on COVID-19

Commission staff has a message for New Yorkers about the communities facing heightened discrimination and harassment due to stigma related to COVID-19.

Watch this playlist of thirteen videos - in English, 普通话, 한국어, 粵語, 福州話, Tagalog, Español, اردو, Kreyòl Ayisyen, বাঙালি, Français, русский.

Additional Resources

Information about coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing at a rapid pace. For the latest information, text “COVID” to 692-692 or visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) website at NYC.gov/coronavirus where you will find information about preventing the spread of this disease, symptoms, and guidance on citywide mandates such as school and business closures.

For up-to-the-minute information on the Commission's work related to the COVID-19 pandemic, follow @NYCCHR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.