La crise du COVID-19 tire la sonnette d’alarme pour un changement de système

A statement by Friends of the Earth International arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated systemic injustices rooted in neoliberalism, capitalism, and patriarchy. The document calls for a fundamental system change, moving away from market-based economies and fossil fuels toward a feminist economy and a just transition that prioritizes public services, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

• The COVID-19 crisis is viewed not merely as a health pandemic but as a revelation of systemic environmental, socio-economic, and gender injustices driven by a neoliberal politico-economic system. This system is credited with weakening public health and social security through privatization and the erosion of workers' rights.
• The document highlights a gendered impact of the crisis, noting that the capitalist system relies on the unpaid or underpaid care work of women. Women, particularly those facing racism and working in frontline health sectors, experience intense exploitation and increased domestic violence during lockdowns.
• Corporate control over food, energy, and biodiversity is identified as a primary cause of ecosystem destruction, which in turn facilitates the spread of pathogens. The document warns of an imminent food crisis, especially in import-dependent countries where land grabbing for agribusiness has occurred.
• Climate injustice is exacerbated by the pandemic, as populations in the Global South—already suffering from the inaction of wealthy nations—are more vulnerable to COVID-19. The document cites a recent cyclone in Vanuatu as an example of ongoing climate catastrophes occurring alongside the health crisis.
• Friends of the Earth International demands that governments abandon austerity, end evictions, cancel external debt, and guarantee fundamental rights to health, housing, water, and food through public services rather than market mechanisms.
• The organization calls for a 'just transition' away from capitalism and fossil fuels, opposing unconditional bailouts for large polluters like airlines and fossil fuel companies. It advocates for the creation of decent jobs and the strengthening of local, decentralized food systems.
• To prevent corporate profiteering from the pandemic, the document demands the immediate international waiver of intellectual property rights for medical equipment, treatments, and vaccines to ensure universal access.

APA

admin (2020). La crise du COVID-19 tire la sonnette d’alarme pour un changement de système. Friends of the Earth International. https://www.foei.org/fr/la-crise-du-covid-19-tire-la-sonnette-dalarme-pour-un-changement-de-systeme/

Chicago

admin. La crise du COVID-19 tire la sonnette d’alarme pour un changement de système. Friends of the Earth International, 2020. https://www.foei.org/fr/la-crise-du-covid-19-tire-la-sonnette-dalarme-pour-un-changement-de-systeme/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=admin |title=La crise du COVID-19 tire la sonnette d’alarme pour un changement de système |publisher=Friends of the Earth International |date=15 April 2020 |url=https://www.foei.org/fr/la-crise-du-covid-19-tire-la-sonnette-dalarme-pour-un-changement-de-systeme/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{admin2020crise, author = {admin}, title = {{La crise du COVID-19 tire la sonnette d’alarme pour un changement de système}}, publisher = {Friends of the Earth International}, year = {2020}, month = apr, url = {https://www.foei.org/fr/la-crise-du-covid-19-tire-la-sonnette-dalarme-pour-un-changement-de-systeme/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }