What the Coronavirus Pandemic has shown us (2020)

Many people have pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed and further aggravated existing global injustices.

For many states, the pandemic became an opportunity to crack down on rights and liberties. Notably, governments often resorted to militarisric language and psychological intimidation tactics to assert control over populations, instead of ensuring equal access to services. In some cases, states started entire military operations in the midst of the pandemic. Women, indigenous peoples, and communities under war and occupation have been among those most affected by the global health crisis. At the same time, the pandemic was a time of organization and struggle. Against states and corporations that exploit the health crisis for power and profit, people have responded with calls for mutual aid, solidarity and resistance for social justice.

In this panel, activists reflect on how states have responded to the crisis and how communities and social movements have organized themselves for resilience and survival.