The human right to life and femicides in Paraguay, before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In the peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, mandatory confinement was decreed at the national level in Paraguay, which led to the uninterrupted coexistence of families within the home for prolonged periods of time. During the period, punishable acts of feminicide were committed, which is why the main objective of the investigation was to analyze the number of femicides committed in Paraguay during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare the frequency with previous years. A quantitative documentary study was carried out based on statistical reports published by the Women's Observatory of Paraguay, taking the 2017-2022 timeline. National laws and international documents protecting women against all forms of violence were also examined. The statistical data were put into tables and after the comparison it was concluded that the highest rate of feminicide was between the years 2016 and 2017, in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, contrary to the forecasts that were foreseen due to the mandatory coexistence ordered by During the COVID-19 pandemic, acts of feminicide were committed less frequently. It became evident that the actions of state political bodies are still insufficient to reduce or eradicate this crime.