SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN FACE OF COVID-19: THE LEGACY OF DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISONS

Abstract

The objective was to characterize the actions of social movements in the face of Covid-19 when defending the right to health of people deprived of liberty (PDL) in Brazil. In addition to the historical record, we sought to identify repercussions that could serve as a legacy for future strategies. A qualitative analysis was carried out of documents released by social organizations (Pastoral Carcerária, Justiça Global, Mecanismo de Combate à Tortura and ABRASCO); Justice bodies (National Council of Justice, Public Defender's Offices, Public Prosecutor's Office, National Penitentiary Department); scientific entities and international organizations (WHO, FIOCRUZ, UNIFESP, among others), in the period from 03/2020 to 01/2021. A total of 77 documents were categorized relating to: 1) Inclusion of PPL as priorities for vaccination and need for extrication measures; 2) Rejection of the use of containers to house infected PPL or risk groups; 3) Suspension and postponed return of visits, with the possibility of sending supplements; 4) Termination of teams to accompany PDL with mental disorders; 5) Reestablishment of the obligation to send PDL bodies to the Legal Medical Institute for identification and issuance of a Death Certificate. The analysis portrayed network action by social movements to guarantee PDLs’ right to health. The demonstrations achieved considerable success in blocking proposals to set back human rights.