The covid-19 pandemic as a world catastrophe: Human rights crisis and application of the principle of solidarity

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to analyze the pandemic of the coronavirus as a global catastrophe, as well as the fact that its effects are more serious on people in vulnerable situations, indicating the existence of a real human rights crisis. As a global problem, its confrontation requires the adoption of joint and coordinated measures by the States, applying the principle of solidarity. Methodology: The hypothetical-deductive method is used in this research, since it is based on the assumption that more vulnerable groups are more susceptible to the violation of rights caused by the pandemic. Results: This research has shown that Brazil is experiencing a human rights crisis due to the impact of the COVID-19 catastrophe, especially in the impact on some groups of people in vulnerable situations. In addition, it is observed that in the face of the deficiency of effective public policies, numerous individual actions with support from private initiative have been undertaken on behalf of these groups in situations of vulnerability and in application of the principle of solidarity. Contributions: The present work outlines in the application of the principles of global solidarity and non-indifference as a true compass to guide the practices of States in the face of the most adverse situations that manifest themselves in the field of international relations, whether they come from economic crises, environmental catastrophes, social upheaval, organized crime, drug trafficking, breakdown with the rule of law, armed conflicts, hunger, misery and diseases, as in the case of COVID-19. © 2021, Centro Universitario Curitiba - UNICURITIBA. All rights reserved.