Recommended actions to protect women’s rights During emergencies, all critical information should be provided in multiple formats, to ensure that it reaches women in various situations of vulnerability (i.e., women who are not literate; speak a minority language; have sight, hearing or intellectual disabilities; cannot access digital media, etc.). Informational materials that describe the scope of emergency measures (what is permissible), and cover issues that are of particular concern for women (i.e., services for survivors of gender-based violence, available childcare programmes, government support for single parents, etc.) should be made available prior to or simultaneously with the enactment of emergency measures. The right of CSOs and members of the public to express opinions about emergency measures, including about potentially discriminatory impacts of such measures on women, must be guaranteed. 5.3. BORDER CLOSURES, BANS AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL Border closures and travel restrictions are used to limit the spread of contagious diseases, as has been the case with COVID-19, and may also be put in place to contain other threats, such as armed conflict or terrorism. Beginning in March 2020, the majority of participating States sealed their international borders, with the remainder instituting partial border closures. Airports were closed to commercial flights, and non-essential travel was suspended. Exceptions were in place for the transport of essential goods and humanitarian assistance. Land border crossings were largely limited to transit of essential goods, and passenger trains were cancelled. A number of countries banned entry to foreigners, cancelled visa-free travel agreements, suspended the issuance of e-visas or limited entry to the country to returning nationals or foreigners with residency permits. At least two states, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, barred citizens from leaving the country. Freedom of movement includes the right to move freely within one’s country and the right to leave any country. No one shall be arbitrarily denied the right to enter their own country. This right shall not be restricted, with exceptions for specific circumstances that include, but are not limited to, the protection of national security and public health.90 The right to freedom Freedom of movement 90 The right to freedom of movement can be restricted only when provided by law and “when necessary to protect national security, public order (ordre public), public health or morals or the rights and freedoms of others.” See: ICCPR, op. cit., note 80, Art. 12(3). 30