{"id":3222,"date":"2020-03-26T11:28:57","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T11:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qayn.org\/information-protection-bienveillance-ensemble-contre-le-covid-19\/"},"modified":"2020-03-28T00:37:05","modified_gmt":"2020-03-28T00:37:05","slug":"information-protection-empathy-together-against-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/qayn.org\/en\/information-protection-empathy-together-against-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Information, Protection, Empathy: Together against COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dear Friends, Partners and Allies,<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The world is currently going through difficult times in the face of the coronavirus disease\u00a0pandemic, also known as COVID-19. The recent arrival of the disease on our African\u00a0continent is particularly worrying given the already limited financial and medical resources of\u00a0our countries. Our thoughts turn particularly to our LGBTQI communities, already made\u00a0vulnerable by hostile social contexts, and for whom the current health crisis could potentially\u00a0worsen living conditions.<\/p>\n

Now more than ever, we need solidarity. And the best way to do this in these difficult times is\u00a0through Information, Protection and Empathy.<\/p>\n

Information<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new disease and as such, is subjected to a\u00a0wide range of information. For the physical and mental well-being of all, we invite everyone\u00a0to educate themselves through official channels such as the World Health Organization as\u00a0well as competent authorities in your respective countries. In the face of this pandemic,\u00a0information remains our best weapon, both for the collective mental well-being and for\u00a0learning best practices to protect ourselves and others.<\/p>\n

Protection<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

In the face of this pandemic, we urge everyone to strictly adhere to basic protective\u00a0measures<\/a> against the novel coronavirus, as indicated by the World Health Organization. In\u00a0order to cope with the disease and limit its spread, many governments have already put in\u00a0place measures such as border closures and movement restrictions, among other things.<\/p>\n

We acknowledge that some of these measures will have a significant impact on the\u00a0dynamics of our LGBTQI community spaces. However, we strongly encourage you to\u00a0respect these protective measures<\/a> and to contact relevant local authorities if necessary (see\u00a0emergency hotlines below).<\/p>\n

Given the current situation, QAYN has closed its offices and stopped all meetings and in-person activities. Our team members are now working remotely and limiting their travel, as\u00a0recommended by local authorities. We all hope for a quick improvement of the situation in\u00a0the various countries affected by this pandemic.<\/p>\n

Empathy<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

As LGBTQI people and as Africans, we are not unaware of the importance of community\u00a0and the benefits it can bring both socially and mentally. So, we encourage you to keep in\u00a0touch (virtually of course!) and to check on each other regularly, especially those who are\u00a0most at risk. Embodying empathy also means saying NO! to fear and stigmatization\u00a0towards people who have been affected by the disease, and stand in solidarity with them.<\/p>\n

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to all those who, from near and far, work daily\u00a0for the health and well-being of all, and for the eradication of this disease in particular. We\u00a0show them our respect and admiration and ask you, once again, to be careful and to respect\u00a0the measures in place in order to facilitate their task and promote the well-being of all.<\/p>\n

In Solidarity,<\/b><\/p>\n

Queer African Youth Network<\/b><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]COVID-19 Emergency Hotlines<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n