Through the «Only Fighters Win» campaign, we are joining the fight of social movements. The heroes of the healthcare sector are not alone; they are supported by social movements from other sectors. Together, they are all healthcare heroes.
The coronavirus crisis affects everyone. But it has not had the same impact on everyone. It has exposed and deepened existing inequalities within society.
Healthcare workers, blue collar workers and marginalised groups are more likely to be contaminated by the virus and to pay for it with their lives. It has become clear that our healthcare systems cannot guarantee the right to health equally for all.
To ease the pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers and contain the pandemic, governments are taking restrictive measures. Without physical distancing, hand hygiene and mouth masks, even more lives would be at risk and the impact of the pandemic would be even greater.
However, in some countries, these same measures are putting human rights under pressure. In their name, governments are restricting democratic freedoms indefinitely and using the full force of the law to enforce quarantine measures.
Social movements are necessary at a time when the right to health of billions of people is under threat.
And there are governments that are using the coronavirus crisis against social movements and human rights defenders. They are excluding social organisations from decision-making, criminalising protests, thwarting vital humanitarian work, and activists are being subjected to police violence.
Now, more than ever, social movements are needed at a time when the right to health of billions of people is at risk. The effects of the crisis will be felt for many years, but very unevenly across society. The role of social movements is therefore crucial in ensuring that the consequences are socially equitable.
If we want to ensure the right to health for all and live in a post-Corona society that is healthier, greener and fairer, we must give social movements the space they need to fulfil their role. They must be able to inform and mobilise citizens, protest and stimulate solidarity, formulate political demands, and freely monitor and criticise government policy.
What's more, a global health crisis can only be resolved through international collaboration. That's why, through this campaign, we are calling on the Belgian authorities to continue investing in international solidarity. In this way, social movements around the world can continue their fight for the right to health for all, for strong public health care and greater social justice. Only those who fight can hope to win. Everyone is a health hero. Only fighters win!
