COVID-19 Update (22 May, 2020)
Considering there is much unpredictability relating to the pandemic and its evolution around the world — including lockdowns, travel bans, and health & safety considerations – IFEX has decided to extend the pause on travel until at least the end of 2020. We will lift this pause when it is safe and socially responsible to travel again in all the countries where IFEX members operate.
We are taking all the consequences of this pause on travel into consideration as we retool our work plan to ensure we can keep advancing our agenda of promoting and defending freedom of expression and information in such unprecedented times.
COVID-19 Update (13 March, 2020)
IFEX is taking a number of proactive and preventative measures in response to the developing situation with COVID-19, commonly known as the Coronavirus, which the WHO has declared a pandemic.
In the spirit of precaution and considering our responsibility as an international network to carefully assess the risks not only to ourselves, but to all those we interact with, we are cancelling all events IFEX is organising and where IFEX was due to be represented, and events where we were supporting member travel or in-person involvement until the end of May, 2020.
IFEX is not halting any current project grant support for member-organized events, acknowledging they will make informed decisions and adjustments well in advance, minimizing all possible risks. However, IFEX will not be providing travel support for other members to attend these or other events over this period. If a member decides to cancel or postpone an event, we will work closely with them to figure out a plan that will help achieve the goals initially set for the event.
In the same spirit, we want to reassure all of our members, particularly those with projects currently underway, that we understand the current context might require shifts in strategy, reprioritization, and adjustments to your planning. Rest assured IFEX is considering all these factors and we will work together to respond to these challenges.
We are also taking measures to mitigate the risk of infection to staff and our extended community. These steps include promotion of personal hygiene, minimizing personal contact, restricting all work-related staff travel and making proper accommodations for flexible home office work.
Of course, a pandemic is not something we imagined in our strategic planning but, like our members, we are finding ways to keep our work moving forward while taking into account the challenges posed by the current global context. We are thinking of everyone in the network, their colleagues, families and friends and will continue to be here for them. The IFEX network is made up of informed, committed and resilient people who will bring these values and skills to this situation – there is no doubt – and we will all be better for it.
IFEX will continue to carefully monitor this rapidly-evolving situation, and will provide a further update within the next month, or earlier if the situation requires. In the meantime, members are welcome to email us at [email protected] with their updates, any questions, concerns, resources or feedback they may have.
Annie Game
IFEX Executive Director