The fragility of human rights in times of crisis: a juridical perspective on Greece during the Eurozone collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic

The present dissertation investigates the fragility of human rights in times of crisis, with a focus on the case of Greece. The primary purpose is to examine the impacts of the austerity policies implemented in reaction to the Eurozone crisis and the emergency measures put in place in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on the concrete effects of these policies upon the basic rights of Greek citizens. The key research question is: what are the precise impacts of austerity policies and emergency measures upon the enjoyment of human rights in Greece? In order to address this research question, the thesis embraces an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates both legal and socioeconomic approaches, thus providing an in-depth study consisting of four main sections. The first chapter defines the economic and regulatory background of the crisis, explaining the development of the financial interventions - especially the role of the Troika, ESM and IMF; the second one explores the impacts of austerity measures on constitutional and human rights, pointing out cases in jurisprudence and the involvement of national institutions. The third chapter explores the aftermath of the health crisis since Covid-19, with regard to the limitations and emergency measures, whereas the fourth chapter considers the pandemic normative framework and the strategies undertaken to safeguard fundamental rights. The specific objectives of the thesis include an extensive analysis of Greece's austerity measures and intervention strategies, with particular attention to their legal ramifications; an evaluation of the concrete impacts of such measures on economic, social, and cultural rights, with particular emphasis on the right to work, health, and social protection; and a contribution to the discussion on the appropriateness of existing legal tools in dealing with economic and health emergencies, highlighting the urgent need for a strategy that strikes a balance between economic stability and the protection of human rights. Ultimately, the analysis demonstrates that within the Greek framework, the pursuit of economic sustainability via emergency interventions and austerity measures resulted in grave breaches of fundamental rights, thereby raising worries about the sustainability and equity of crisis policies. Lastly, the thesis contributes to spark a debate on how to enhance domestic and European regulatory frameworks so that forthcoming emergency response efforts can provide a better equilibrium between human rights protection and economic goals.