As the world labours to slow the Covid-19 pandemic by using major and restrictive social measures, Socialists and Democrats believe that we should look closely at how these measures affect individuals in our societies, including the most vulnerable. At the same time, we must uphold the fundamental rights of all. Civil liberties, justice and home affairs are at the heart of citizens’ political concerns, and we call upon governments and the European Union to protect the rights of all. We recognise that the speed of the spread of the pandemic led to many decisions having to be taken at unprecedented speed. However, some measures were introduced without proper and full evaluation and there is still time to reconsider some paths taken in order to avoid unintended consequences.