Conversation across continents on hierarchies, human security and COVID-19

Life as we knew it has changed with the COVID-19 global pandemic disrupting every nation. Navigating engagement in daily living entails shifts in habits, roles and routines. The sense of self is reimagined, challenged and reflected upon, cradled within health and social care systems masking human rights and social justice. For some there is freedom, calmness, greater connectivity and collegiality, and for others, there is entrapment, fear, disorientation, emotional distress, occupational deprivation and isolation. This chapter explores daily living disruption by engaging scholars from across five continents in co-designing through conversation, by discussing individual and collective experiences of disability hierarchies and human security during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consideration is given to the heterogeneity of lives and in-country contexts (Australia, India, Africa, Ireland and Canada). Perspectives from experts through lived experiences and academics are shared, drawing on human rights, capability and disability theories; global health and COVID-19 policy; and author observations.