Nobel Peace Prize winner
calls for culture of solidarity
 |
| Adolfo Pérez Esquivel |
The founder of Servizio Paz y Justicia, and Nobel Peace
Prize winner Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, speaks to Vatican Media about Covid-19 in
Latin America and the need for a culture of solidarity.
By Vatican News
The 1980 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel,
was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1931. After training as an architect and
sculptor, he was appointed Professor of Architecture. In 1974, he gave up his academic
career to devote his time and energy to found Servizio Paz y Justicia,
a Christian based, non-violent organization committed to the defense of human
rights in Latin America.
In an interview with L’Osservatore Romano, the 88-year-old
Adolfo Pérez Esquivel shares his reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic and its
effect on the world and Latin American countries in particular.
Covid-19 in Latin America
Esquivel notes that the pandemic has “spread to all
countries of Latin America with serious consequences.” He points out that the
poor and those who live in the slums are most affected as many do not have
access to clean water, proper hygiene and food.
Even though the spread of Covid-19 is slowed down by
precautionary health measures, Esquivel states that these same measures have
had repercussions on “commercial, cultural, educational and religious
activities.” He notes that despite the great social solidarity and government
palliative measures to aid the poor, the efforts are not enough.
Turning his thoughts towards the Amazon, Esquivel appeals
for an end to the violence against the indigenous people and the “destruction
of the environment that is carried out by burning the forest and devastating
the fauna and biodiversity.”
A culture of solidarity
Esquivel points out that new social and economic policies
are needed to respond to the unprecedented situation caused by the coronavirus
pandemic. He says many people have lost their jobs, making inequality between
the rich and poor are more pronounced.
“It is necessary to promote a culture of solidarity and the
sharing of goods with those most in need,” he adds. “We must not forget that
the problem of others is a problem for everyone.”
The 88-year-old calls for the creation of a new social
contract based on principles that “guarantee respect for fundamental rights
such as health, education, peace and protection of the environment.” He also
stresses the urgent need to protect common goods such “rivers and seas,
forests, fauna and biodiversity.”
Underground rivers that emerge with life and hope
Perez Esquivel notes that many “social, political and
economic attitudes that seemed commonplace are undergoing profound changes.”
The unwanted confinement, he explains, “has put a brake on the acceleration of
time” and has shown us the need to find balance. He invites everyone to see
this time as an opportunity to “meditate, pray, reflect and take care of one’s
physical and mental health.”
Looking to the future, Esquivel finds hope in young people
whom he encourages to become “underground rivers that emerge with the power of
life and hope.”
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