Does Self-isolation Violate the Right to Liberty? An Analysis of the European Court of Human Rights’ Practice in Light of the Ukrainian Experience

COVID-19 became a stress-test for many legal systems because it required that a balance be found between rapid action to prevent the spread of the disease and a continued respect for human rights. Many states in Europe, including Ukraine, chose to enforce an obligation to self-isolate. In this article we review what the obligation to self-isolate entails in the case of Ukraine. We also analyse whether such an obligation should be viewed as a deprivation or a mere restriction of liberty and if it is permissible under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.