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.

 

 

APC webinar: What does 5G mean for global connectivity efforts?
APC webinar: What does 5G mean for global connectivity efforts? 05 May 2020 APCNews

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the importance of connectivity in staying informed has become more evident than ever. As this recent webinar makes clear, 5G is not conducive to reaching those who are currently disconnected, but will probably instead further the digital divide.

Inside the Digital Society: Privacy and the digital revolution
Inside the Digital Society: Privacy and the digital revolution 04 May 2020 David Souter

The digital revolution has a complex relationship with privacy, and it's become especially relevant as a result of the coronavirus crisis. 

Supporting human rights online in times of crisis: A collection of useful resources
Supporting human rights online in times of crisis: A collection of useful resources 03 May 2020 APCNews

In these exceptional times, APC wishes 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.

KICTANet proposals to the Kenyan judiciary on the use of video conferencing in judicial proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic
KICTANet proposals to the Kenyan judiciary on the use of video conferencing in judicial proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic 30 April 2020 Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)

In response to the rapid adoption of video conferencing technologies for court proceedings, KICTANet has submitted a series of recommendations to the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya to deal with the challenges involved in moving open court procedures to virtual sessions.

Forum for Freedom of Expression, Bangladesh audit of attacks on the media during the 30 days of lockdown
Forum for Freedom of Expression, Bangladesh audit of attacks on the media during the 30 days of lockdown 30 April 2020 Forum for Freedom of Expression, Bangladesh

The Forum for Freedom of Expression, Bangladesh, of which APC member VOICE is part, expresses deep concern over the series of attacks on journalists during the 30 days of countrywide lockdown imposed by the government for containment of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Egyptian Alaa Abdel Fattah on hunger strike to protest conditions in prison amid pandemic
Egyptian Alaa Abdel Fattah on hunger strike to protest conditions in prison amid pandemic 28 April 2020 APCNews

Renowned Egyptian blogger and political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah started a hunger strike on 30 March in Cairo’s Tora maximum security prison to protest the dire conditions in Egypt’s jails and the ban on family visits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coconet presents Digital Hygiene 101: How to practice digital safety and security
Coconet presents Digital Hygiene 101: How to practice digital safety and security 28 April 2020 Darika Bamrungchok for Coconet

The COVID-19 pandemic is no longer just a global health crisis but one with widespread implications across all sectors of society. We always hear daily reminders on how to practice proper physical hygiene. But beyond your personal hygiene, have you thought about your “digital hygiene”?

WOUGNET: Flattening the COVID-19 pandemic curve calls for a fight against misinformation and disinformation
WOUGNET: Flattening the COVID-19 pandemic curve calls for a fight against misinformation and disinformation 28 April 2020 Peace Oliver Amuge for WOUGNET

The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) warns of the proliferation of COVID-19-related fake news on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as other ways in which misinformation is spread in rural areas.

Coconet: To fight COVID-19 in Myanmar, stop the war and internet shutdown in Arakan
Coconet: To fight COVID-19 in Myanmar, stop the war and internet shutdown in Arakan 27 April 2020 Kyaw Lynn for Coconet

The internet is the primary source of information on the global COVID-19 pandemic. But Arakan in western Myanmar is currently experiencing the longest-running internet shutdown in the world, and the lack of access to information could put an already vulnerable population in a dangerous situation. 

#KeepItOn: Open letter to the government of India on lifting internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir during COVID-19 pandemic
#KeepItOn: Open letter to the government of India on lifting internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir during COVID-19 pandemic 27 April 2020 Various

APC joined the #KeepItOn coalition and 41 international rights groups from around the world in an open letter urgently calling on the government of India to restore access to 4G high-speed internet access as a first step towards the containment of the COVID-19 virus and related health needs.

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