Closer than ever

APC understands that we are all dealing with unprecedented circumstances as we face the challenges, fear and uncertainty brought on by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know it impacts our work, our personal lives and the lives of those we care about. Each country is tackling the situation differently, so the contexts we find ourselves in are as diverse as the ways we find to navigate shifting conditions.

In these exceptional times, we wish to send our solidarity and appreciation for connecting with us. While we are distancing ourselves physically, we continue to stay closer than ever to each other and share tools and resources as well as support. We also want to examine how we can continue to promote human rights online in the context of a global pandemic. We are all facing this problem together but we know it affects different countries and communities in different ways. Therefore, we would like to channel the strength of our network to share some important resources that we hope will be empowering, enlightening and reassuring.

Below you will find articles and insights shared by our community, which has been working on human rights and technology issues for over 30 years. We will be updating these lists on a regular basis, so please feel free to connect with us if you have some resources to share.

 

 

Feminist practices in forced lockdowns and remote lives: From Madrid, Sarajevo and Mumbai
Feminist practices in forced lockdowns and remote lives: From Madrid, Sarajevo and Mumbai 16 April 2020 hvale, Leila and Shivani for APCNews

What is a feminist practice in a time when the entire world is pushed into a one-size-fits-all way of living and working? Here are some reflections and highlights of our feminist practices in forced lockdowns and remote lives.

The resilience of Kenya’s internet freedoms during the COVID-19 pandemic
The resilience of Kenya’s internet freedoms during the COVID-19 pandemic 15 April 2020 Liz Orembo for KICTANet

There is a need to balance the use of technology with human rights in response to the pandemic. Otherwise, we might risk losing the rights and freedoms we had steadily gained over many years.

CIPESA: Why access to information on COVID-19 is crucial to persons with disabilities in Africa
CIPESA: Why access to information on COVID-19 is crucial to persons with disabilities in Africa 14 April 2020 Paul Kimumwe for CIPESA

While COVID-19 continues to ravage the world, there is growing concern that critical messages about the disease that are disseminated by health authorities, telecom companies, and broadcasters are not reaching persons with visual and hearing impairments.

KICTANet submission on technology-related solutions to COVID-19
KICTANet submission on technology-related solutions to COVID-19 13 April 2020 Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)

Following consultation with its stakeholders, the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) prepared this submission to the Kenyan Senate COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee, with a series of recommendations related to ICT solutions to confront the pandemic.

Inside the Digital Society: Another way to look at access and equality?
Inside the Digital Society: Another way to look at access and equality? 13 April 2020 David Souter

My last four blogs discussed the impact of the current virus crisis on the digital society. I’m moving for the next few weeks to other subjects, but it’s worth noting that the crisis will have an impact on every aspect of the digital society.

Zenzeleni and Tunapanda community networks respond to COVID-19 in Africa
Zenzeleni and Tunapanda community networks respond to COVID-19 in Africa 08 April 2020 APCNews

In a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that people are able to obtain information that will help them stay safe and aware of an evolving situation, and initiatives like these are crucial for reducing the traditional barriers to information that prevent global access.

Closer than ever: Keeping our movements connected and inclusive – The Association for Progressive Communications' response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Closer than ever: Keeping our movements connected and inclusive – The Association for Progressive Communications' response to the COVID-19 pandemic 07 April 2020

This position paper outlines APC's current thinking on the pandemic. It identifies several key, interrelated issues that require attention by governments, the private sector and civil society.

A day in EngageMedia remote work: How to not be socially distant online
A day in EngageMedia remote work: How to not be socially distant online 07 April 2020 Sara Pacia for EngageMedia

EngageMedia, an organisation with significant experience in working remotely, has some tips and tools for those now working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women radically transforming a world in crisis: A virtual dialogue
Women radically transforming a world in crisis: A virtual dialogue 06 April 2020 APCNews

A virtual dialogue on collective safety, co-convened by Just Associates (JASS), IM-Defensoras and APC, coincided with the launch of a new JASS tookit featuring resources for women human rights defenders. 

NGO and expert statement to the OECD Secretary General on COVID-19, privacy and fundamental rights
NGO and expert statement to the OECD Secretary General on COVID-19, privacy and fundamental rights 06 April 2020 Various

Many nations are considering proposals to use digital technologies to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. This joint statement calls on the OECD to ensure the protection of privacy and other fundamental human rights in the use of these technologies.

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