According to the weapons table, it seems unarmed counts as a Melee weapon. So I suppose it can be used for Melee Strike. If you are unarmed can you use the Parry active defense, then?

I don't count unarmed (like fists) as melee weapons, neither beasts like the board or the wolves. I treat them as unarmed so they can't use the melee strike neither the parry action cards.

I believe that the Parry card specifies having a melee weapon 'equipped.' You dont 'equip' your fists (or feet if you're Chuck Norris ).