The Eurolat delegation of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament is calling for stepping up bi-regional cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean as well as bolstering up multilateral organisations to organize a more robust response to Covid-19. As the pandemic is spreading throughout the region, people are facing the worst economic recession in decades and an explosion of already staggering inequalities.
Javi López, S&D MEP and co-chair of EUROLAT said:
“As deaths and desperation are mounting in Latin America, the most vulnerable countries need a cancellation or moratorium of their debt to re-direct already tight resources to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The failure to act by the Brazilian government by President Bolsonaro is especially alarming. History will hold irresponsible governments accountable that are doing nothing to slow down the spread of the virus. We are called upon to protect democratic institutions. Neither in Europe nor in Latin America can we allow COVID-19 to serve as a pretext for a withdrawal behind nation-state borders or an authoritarian backlash.
Maria Marques, S&D MEP and spokesperson for EUROLAT, added:
“This unprecedented challenge is a struggle for all of humanity and can only be overcome through international cooperation. The humanitarian and economic consequences of this health crisis makes the joining up of multilateral forces compelling between Europe and Latin America. Therefore, we are also calling for the immediate suspension of all sanctions, denoting their failure as a diplomatic tool, and the necessity of supporting the people most affected by the crisis in Latin America.”
Declaración del Copresidente de la Asamblea Parlamentaria Euro-Latinoamericana frente al COVID-19
