NYC Human Rights Task Force Will Combat Coronavirus Harassment

NEW YORK CITY — A new Human Rights task force will crack down on novel coronavirus harassment and discrimination in New York City, officials announced Sunday.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights formed a COVID-19 Response Team to handle reports of harassment and discrimination related to the outbreak, said Chair Carmelyn P. Malalis.

“All New Yorkers are facing extraordinary levels of stress right now; discrimination and harassment should not be among them," said Malalis.

"Even in the midst of a pandemic, human rights cannot be violated."

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Law Enforcement and Community Relations bureau staff work together to provide information through its online resource page and investigate claims.

The Commission has the power to order civil penalties of up to $250,000 for willful and malicious violations of the law.

The city had received 248 reports of COVID-19-linked harassment with more than 40 percent targeting Asian New Yorkers, as of April 16, according to the Human Rights Commission.

Currently, 18 accusations — pertaining to housing and employment — are under investigation and nine cases have already been resolved, officials said

Any New Yorker can call 311 and say, “human rights” or visit www.NYC.gov/HumanRights to report harassment, but victims and witnesses of hate crimes should call 911.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has also launched a hotline to report COVID-19 hate crimes to her office.

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