Solidarity, citizenship and social justice: perceptions of social actors about public responses to COVID-19

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to analyze the social actors’ perceptions of public responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eleven civil society representatives and social movement leaders. We also performed triangulation based on the systematization of opinion papers authored by humanitarian organizations and civil society leaders and published in large-circulation newspapers. Our analysis was inspired by the ethical principles of social justice, solidarity, and citizenship. Two main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: 1) disproportionately affected populations remain invisible to care and protection; 2) there is an intentional project to annihilate “undesirable” populations. Community movements must be incorporated as an essential part of the responses to provide care and protection and mitigate the effects during health emergencies. Care, solidarity, and social participation are central to building health protection responses within the framework of social justice. The responses to transforming the future in the aftermath of the pandemic will occur through the initiatives of civil society and community leaders within the territories.

The challenge of healthcare for vulnerable and marginalized populations

“…No Brasil, a crise sanitária advinda da pandemia ratificou o que já é concreto no país, reforçando que populações historicamente marginalizadas foram desproporcionalmente afetadas pela pandemia (4) . A COVID-19 também evidenciou o importante papel dos serviços públicos de saúde (Sistema Único de Saúde) para cuidar de forma gratuita e promover o acesso às vacinas para todas e todos (5) .…”