Hypotheses

We test two sets of hypotheses:

H₁: Formal derogations and pandemic-related emergency policies

• H_1a: If states issued COVID-19 derogations, then we expect that they will be more likely to impose relevant emergency polices such as canceling public events, restricting gatherings, closing public transit, and restricting domestic and international movement.
• H_1b: If states did not issue COVID-19 derogations, we expect that they will be less likely to impose related emergency policies.

H₂: Formal derogations and pandemic-related human rights violations

• H_2a: If states formally derogate from international treaty provisions, then they are less likely to use discriminatory policy measures during the pandemic.
• H_2b: If states formally derogate from international treaty provisions, then they are less likely to violate non-derogable rights.
• H_2c: If states formally derogate from international treaty provisions, then they are less likely to impose measures with no time limits.