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Written by Kailash Satyarthi | Updated: June 4, 2020 4:25:55 pm Passengers wait for their train at New Delhi Railway Station in New Delhi on Wednesday.

During and in the aftermath of catastrophes, crises and wars, the collective way of the life of citizens is impacted hugely. In todays interconnected world, Covid-19 is not just a health, an economic or a humanitarian crisis. Its also a crisis of civilisation. Civilisations evolve as a result of a collective response to historical events and changes in human ecology, and despite differences, have some elements universal in nature. During the last few decades, globalisation and unprecedented advancements in communication and technology have further increased the commonalities of human civilisation.

The ongoing pandemic has the potential to weaken the foundation and the very fabric of our civilisation. This may alter not only the way we live and work but also deeply impact our interpersonal relationships, our core values and the nature of state and governance.

Even as I write this, I am haunted by horrific images of dismembered fingers clutching the last morsels of rotis, belonging to 16 migrant labourers who laid down to rest on train tracks during their long walk home, only to be run down by a train, in Aurangabad. They were among a few of the millions of men, women and children who are walking on the roads, desperate to return to their villages without any means of available transport. I also cant forget 16-year-old Cheng, a resident of Hubei, China. Living with an extreme form of cerebral palsy, Yan Cheng died all alone when his father was taken away after contracting Covid-19.

Similarly, hundreds of child labourers were found abandoned inside dangerous gold mines in South Africa whose employers ran away to safety. In India too, my organisation along with the authorities, continues to rescue and help child labourers who were locked up and left to die. Neighbourhood after neighbourhood of immigrant daily wage earners in large cities of India, Brazil, Nigeria, Thailand and many other places are being left abandoned, resulting in demographic imbalances.

On the other hand, people who are safe but forced to stay indoors are scared and grappling with a multitude of mental issues such as depression and anxiety. There is ample evidence of an increase in domestic discord and violence. There is also a horrific rise in online child sexual abuse and child pornography. Its worrisome to see our children facing many psycho-social problems such as anger, anxiety, loneliness, loss of motivation and focus. Phone and television screens are not a substitute for meaningful social interactions and physical activity.

These are some indications of a crisis of civilisation but there are other crucial factors at work. Collectivism is the foundation of any civilisation. Collective thoughts, experiences, actions, beliefs, perceptions and traditions contribute to building a civilisation. Efforts for sustenance and survival, a quest for freedom, a pursuit of knowledge of the unknown, a search for happiness and a desire to create and innovate are also among the key propellers of a civilisation. These manifest themselves in the creation of language, art, sculpture, habitat and help define citizenry and governance. Therefore, civilisations are not built through knowledge, wisdom and intelligence only, but are also a result of a wealth of shared human emotions. The state response to fighting the pandemic, reviving the economy and protecting law and order are all fine. However, equally important is the emotional response while dealing with the most vulnerable.

Why are millions of migrant workers feeling so helpless and fearful that they are literally running away from the cities to the perceived safety of their homes? Is it only the fear of Covid-19? I believe they have lost faith in the civilised world of the city they entrusted with their livelihood, including employers and the state.

The pandemic has exposed and deepened, perhaps the ever-existing emotional disparities between the makers of the infrastructure of our civilisation and its elite custodians. Further, this highlights the differences of perception and the grave cognitive dissonance. Also, there has been blatant social discrimination and visible divisions based on religion, caste, gender and race even among the relief efforts to combat Covid-19. There are many potential dangers and threats to our civilisation.

First, in this crisis, existing massive income inequalities, based on an economic system focused on profit-making and wealth creation, will be exacerbated. This will further marginalise and deprive the vulnerable sections of society, pushing them to chronic poverty, hunger and deprivation.

The ever-increasing dependence on modern technology which will reduce more and more workers as liabilities. This will not only dramatically result in massive lay-offs but in increased demand and worth of highly specialised and productive human resources. Obviously, this small class will emerge as the new Brahmins, out-casting a larger unproductive section, i.e. the elderly, uneducated, disabled and others.

This could further lead to an upsurge in extremism, escalation of tensions between different sections of society, violence and crimes affecting our way of life. Advanced security measures, robust vigilance and policing will become the new normal. This may also lead to discrimination and profiling of criminals on the basis of religion, caste and colour and divide us further.

Secondly, divisive politics based on populism, hate-mongering, individualism, protectionism and hyper-nationalism has already damaged the foundations of inclusion and collectivism. The existing leadership of different countries may become even more powerful now. Certain decisions taken by leaders for public interest and security may end infringing the rights and freedom of individuals and citizens resulting in further neglect of the disadvantaged. Paradoxically, massive political instability, chaos and even anarchy may also surface in countries with indecisive leadership.

After the industrial revolution, our civilisation has evolved significantly. The struggle for democracy, liberty, protection of human rights and efforts towards inclusive development have all been steps in the right direction. Given the current state of affairs, we may end up undermining these efforts and fail to protect democracy, human rights and social justice for all. This will contribute to a crisis for our civilisation.

Thirdly, the nexus between the state and corporates is so deep that those in power view everything through an economic lens. The conditions created by Covid-19 is enabling them to view labour and industrial reforms with the profit-making maxim under the garb of legal amendments. This essentially means that the workers lose their collective bargaining power. The easiest way to do this would be to force them inside the unregulated and unorganised sectors by replacing formal production processes and deregulated supply chains. This will also be done to attract foreign investors.

We must not forget that the role of the working class through the course of history was not only industrial production and rendering services through selling their manual and mental labour, but they have since contributed immensely in establishing and strengthening democracy, freedom and gender equity. The post-Covid-19 world may destroy this hard-earned progress made over many centuries and further contribute to the crisis of civilisation.

Fourthly, the principles and norms of morality and ethics of any civilisation are carved out over a long time period. They are not necessarily applicable everywhere and at all times. However, some core values act as the moral compass through the course of civilisation. We have already been experiencing a moral deficit for quite some time. Now, the combined forces of media, technology and markets construct and establish moralist figures for their own vested political and economic interests. These forces may emerge stronger and further weaken universal moral values that help sustain human civilisation.

Fifthly, the post Covid-19 world is bound to become unimaginably digital and virtual. During the lockdown, hundreds of millions of people across countries are forced to work from home while their children have to take online classes. This will become the new normal for most of us, abandoning places of socialisation and human interaction. Relationships forged through social media are largely superficial and can never replace the depth of human connections.

Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and yet-to-be-invented technology will control education, health, government and businesses, leaving teachers, doctors, priests and mentors increasingly irrelevant. Physical interactions as well as sharing feelings of excitement, love, joy, anger, frustration and grief with our loved ones are vital to human existence and the shaping of a society. This situation may cause serious damage to our civilisation.

However, challenges and uncertainties also pave the way for innovative solutions. The current scenario is no different and can certainly be turned into an opportunity for strengthening our civilisation.

I have a four-tier approach in mind that can help us deal with the above challenges. My thought is based on four elements Compassion, Gratitude, Responsibility and Tolerance. I am proposing nothing new here. All these elements are already present and are rooted as basic human values across cultures and religions. The attainment of liberty, dignity, justice, equality, sustainability and peace should be the key goal of our civilisation. These are not merely ideals and principles but are achievable realities.

I keep emphasising that unless we feel others pain and suffering as our own and make endeavours to alleviate them, a truly civilised society cannot be created. This is Compassion. This compassion should be the backbone of our political, economic, religious and social lives. To save our planet, this compassion should be extended to animals, birds, trees, rivers, oceans, mountains and deserts too. This is why I strongly advocate the globalisation of compassion.

Also Read | Its not too late for governments to ensure that vulnerable get cash in hand for next few months

Secondly, we should adopt Gratitude in interpersonal relationships, industrial management, governance and administration. It is inherent in all of us and will be uncovered if we are true to ourselves and our surroundings. From the moment we are born to using food, water, clothing, housing, education, health, entertainment, security and all other facilities; there is someones contribution in every wake of life.Business leaders in their boardrooms and politicians in parliament should feel grateful for the hard work and sacrifices of many others in contributing to their wealth and power.I strongly feel that building a supply chain of gratitude is essential for cultivating mutual respect, love and harmony in all facets of life.

The third element is creation of an Internet of Responsibility. Since, our problems and solutions are interconnected, we must practice living with shared responsibility.The spirit of globalisation has already been under attack for quite some time. The fast emergence and acceptance of neo-nationalistic politics, violent extremism and anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiments, monopolies of few countries and companies on advanced scientific knowledge and technology and events such as Brexit are some such indications. Looking at current trends, not only WHO and other multilateral agencies, even the United Nations may face serious financial and political challenges.

If public life, the cut-throat competition in acquiring desired jobs or earning money and tearing apart the familial and societal fabric will be exacerbated in a post- Covid-19 era. Therefore, equally important is to reinvigorate the sense of mutual responsibility. If we can create an internet of things, an interconnected and inter-propelling world of invisible virtual realities, why cant we craft an Internet of Responsibilities?

The Fourth element is creating a Universe of Tolerance. Intolerance has been the most common reason for clashes within civilisations. On the other hand, tolerance has nurtured co-existence among diversities and differences. During wars, pandemics or other catastrophes, there is a certain rise in feelings of empathy, charity, relief and help but they hardly sustain once the crisis is over.Then, the world of citizenry and states start shrinking in ever smaller circles of nationalities, colours, races and identities of religions, giving rise once again to deep-seated intolerance. The existing disrespect for other faiths, cultural and linguistic plurality, ideological differences and political dissent is likely to grow.In spite of different celestial objects exerting various electro-magnetic and other forces upon each other, our universe exists because they are able to find a state of balance and harmony. We must build a Universe of Tolerance to save our civilisation.

In Indian mythology, the creator of the world Lord Brahma is said to have four faces. These are symbolic of creation, protection and progress in all the four directions. We can interpret them as Globalisation of Compassion, Supply Chain of Gratitude, Internet of Responsibility and Universe of Tolerance. There is no substitute to a shared future of humankind. How we shape it is up to us.

The author is a Nobel Peace Laureate. Views expressed are his own

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Kent County Council leader Roger Gough

A desperate situation in Kent will be made worse by the introduction of the governments new 14-day Quarantine Regulations for all new arrivals into the UK, says the County Council

The new regulations come into force on June 8 but make no separate provision for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). This means Kent County Council (KCC) will have to isolate all new UAS children for two weeks but with the authority says with resources already exhausted this will be difficult to achieve.

Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council said:As always, the health and well-being of children in our care is our foremost priority and I am again appealing to the Home Office to intervene.

We are seeking to respond to the new regulations and discharge our responsibilities, however, with extremely limited resources left the expectation is that we will no longer be able to accommodate any further new arrivals within four weeks.

Under the 1989 Children Act, KCC is responsible for all UAS children arriving on Kent shores and has seen record-breaking numbers so far this year, with 65 arriving in May, the highest number in five years, and 17 already in the first four days of June.

KCC is currently caring for a total of 482 under 18s UAS children, more than double the allocation for the authority in the current voluntary National Transfer Scheme. Kent is also responsible for 936 over 18s UAS young people who, under current legislation, will remain in the councils care until they are 25.

Costs to care for these children are currently 200,000 per month, and rising, in excess of the funding provided by central government.

With all four UASC reception centres in Kent now full, the council was able to refit and bring into use additional accommodation for nine children but the arrival of 16 new UAS children on June 3 has already filled this and it is estimated that it would take up to three months to secure additional suitable premises.

To abide by the new Quarantine Regulations, the council now has to double-up children in rooms, breaching Public Health England social distancing guidelines and putting them at risk of infection. This will vacate one 40-bed reception centre to provide single rooms to isolate new arrivals for two weeks but it is possible with the current arrival rates that this limited capacity could quickly be filled.

In his letter to the Home Secretary appealing for intervention sent on May 22, Mr. Gough stated that UAS children care resources in Kent had run out of road.

He said without immediate intervention and the urgent reactivation of the National Transfer Scheme to fairly distribute UAS children nationally, including sufficient funding for receiving local authorities, the situation in Kent would become unimaginable and unsafe for children.

While still awaiting a response to this appeal, KCC and the Local Government Association have continued to petition other UK local authorities and have received some assistance with agreements in place to take a total of nine children so far.

Cllr Gough said:This unthinkable position is not one we want to find ourselves in but without immediate intervention from central government the only resolution available to the council is the Mutual Aid Provision of the 1989 Children Act which allows the council to seek support from other local authorities. But this protracted process will not provide the help we need now.

The quickest solution would be to raise the UAS children Care Leavers Rate, which is currently significantly less than care costs incurred by local authorities, to incentivise other UK councils to bear some of the burden. This is essential to getting the National Transfer Scheme working again.

The new quarantine regulations, coming at a time of a rapid increase in new arrivals, are pouring petrol on the fire. What we need is for central government to support local authorities in resolving this crisis immediately.

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India is beginning to show early signs of Covid-19 response fatigue in the initial phase of lockdown 5.0 or Unlock 1.0.

It is quite evident that the public has been bombarded and desensitised (quiet unintentionally) to all Covid-related matters in the past few months. The media, too, appears to be moving on to other stories like the components and contours of the economic stimulus package, or Chinese incursions. Daily media briefings by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have been discontinued, and the government appears to have been drifting from one lockdown to another, without defining the benchmarks of success for each phase or revealing a long-term plan.

The migrant crisis has been so mismanaged that it defies logic and common sense, and reflects a disdain for human lives at their most vulnerable. Even the economic stimulus package had no clear long-term vision.

The government seems to have lost focus, and appears to be leaving key decision-making to states and districts, but has not provided an all-encompassing governance framework to coordinate the response. Some decisions like runningshramiktrains and allowing domestic flights have been taken withoutconsulting statesorrelevant stakeholders,or before guidelines have been issued. There is seemingly no sense of solidarity among states, or a unifying vision.

We welcome themove to decentralisedecision-making, which is whatwe have advocated earlier, but we also need a game plan to coordinate the response nationally, and to come up with a long-term vision.

Covid-19 will test our tenacity, grit, resilience, and patience as a nation.India needs to carefully consider, plan and prepare for all possible scenarios that could arise out of the Covid-19 crisis.

Also read: Modi got all the credit for lockdown. Now, he wants states to share risk of unlocking India

Moving forward, weneed to visualise the Covid-19 response like athree-dimensional chess game, with health, economy, social, and political fronts being the multiple boards. Like in chess, we need to not only weigh the pros and cons of all the moves available to us, but also anticipate the opponents counter-move and plan the subsequent response. And, like in chess, there are three phases opening, middle-game and end-game.

The past five months from the first case to the successive lockdowns can be construed as the opening phase. We decreased the rate of spread and confined a majority of infections to a few districts. The middle-game, which will be longer, can be envisaged to last from now until an effective treatment or vaccine comes to the market. The end-game will begin with deployment of the treatment or vaccine nationally.

We need to begin the middle-game by clearly defining the broad objectives to achieve. The government does not seem to have clearly defined the objectives of the lockdown. Itsent a genericmessage thatthelockdown will defeatcoronavirus, which can be interpreted in myriad ways. Sometimes, it appeared as if theaim was to achieve zerocases, butthen it was changed to building healthcapacity.

With the increasing number of cases, migrants woes, and testing numbers still low, many have arguedthat the lockdown is a failure.

A few continue to present a totally positive spin on the lockdown,by selectively presenting cherry-pickeddata on how India is faring with respect to the rest of the world.

We,like others, feel the lockdown had elements of success like gaining time to build our health infrastructure, increase our testing capacity, focus on behaviour change and puttingresponse systems in place.

This divergence of opinion can be attributed to not communicating the aimsclearly beforehand, and metrics of evaluating success or failure.Therefore, we need to define the objective of the middle-game now.

Also read: First day of Unlock 1.0 Delhi shuts its border, street food vendors back in Chhattisgarh

Are we aiming for a draw (mitigation of the virus) or a win (suppression of the virus)?

Do we accept that a certain number of cases will occur for foreseeable future and we will focus on managing these and prevent the health system from collapsing?

If so, what is the tolerance limit for our health capacity, and is the capacity equitably distributed across our country? Or, do we aim to bring the number of daily cases to near zero?

If the latter, what is our contact-tracing strategy?Have we strengthened our surveillance systems and isolation capacity? Or, should it be a mix of both, and if so, what are the quantitative thresholds to move from one to another?

What are the economic and social objectives to aim for in the next phase?

We need to conduct a series of thought experiments by enumerating all scenarios that can play out, and the options available to address them. We need to ask questions on how different things can pan out.

Then, we need to use this to develop complex matrices of scenarios and agame plan for each one, with contingency plansat specific quantitative thresholds built in. We should communicate our options, approaches, and plans more openly and transparently. This will instil confidence in the public, boost their morale and help seek active participation.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: Any assessment can only commence after the lockdown is lifted fully; theres a lot of uncertainty.

Uncertainty by itself should not be an excuse not to plan, but more of a reason to have a well-thought-out network of plans. Unpredictability is more corrosive than uncertainty.This policy of having no policy reveals a fatalistic mindset, kills the confidence in response, and subdues the animal spirit. Having an elaborate plan, which is substantive and not superficial, conveys to the public that the government is proactive, ahead of the pandemic, and in control of the situation.

Also read: Sensex climbs to 3-month high on hopes that ease in lockdown will reboot economy

The next requirement is to maintain presence of mind when the best-laid plan goes awry the government must assess the situation, think on its feet and take corrective action so that the main plan is not affected.

Lockdown 1.0 set in motion the migrant crisis, but the government was unable to manage it, underestimating the size of crisis, discounting the desire of migrants to return home, disregarding their reasons, overestimating the risk of national spread, and misreading the political blowback.

The governments should be able to do rapid assessment after major decisions and take corrective actions.For instance, once theshramiktrains started, they should have monitored the situation on how many new cases are arising from train returnees. By not assessing these parameters, both the central and state governments leave room to blame one another and escape accountability.

When more relaxations are announced, like when malls openor when educational institutions are allowed to restart classes, the government should measure the mobility increase, social distancing adherence, and impact on the rate of increase in cases.The data stream should be more disaggregated and allow the government to estimate risk of each decision.This will aid in taking prompt remedial action based on data.

Also read: The night curfew in unlock 1.0 is outdated. Indians still think bad things happen in the dark

The government does not seem to trust the public, and wants to take decisions on peoples behalf (such as implying thatincreased testingwill create panic,suppressing ILIsurveillance data,misclassifying or not reportingdeaths). Community participation, what some call thesocial vaccine, is most critical since restrictions are being relaxed just when we have the highest daily cases, and people are keen to get back to a new normal as quickly as possible.

The public needs to be an active participant in the management of the middle-game. The government should seek support by having honest conversations about community transmission and laying down cards on the table in terms of allscenarios, risks involved, and options. It should create hope by showing potential paths out of the labyrinth.

The next phase has been termed as returning to a new normal and learning to live with the virus. If the government lays out all scenarios, proposed actions and reasons for those actions systematically, and gains public support for the same, that could be its defence against accusations that it is bringing in unnecessary reforms under the guise of pandemic response.

It will also compel the government to take action and not seek refugee under the umbrella of uncertainty.

Our middle-game, and how we chart it, will define what we can look forward to over the next few months and beyond a consolidated effort based on adequate planning, partnerships and precise data, or a continuation of status quo.

Given the novel nature of Covid, we may build the boat as we sail, but at least we should chart potential routes till the end-game begins.

Dr Manjunath Shankar is a public health specialist, health economist and disease modeller.He tweets at@MonJunNot.

Dr Anant Bhan is a researcher in global health, bioethics and health policy.He tweets at @AnantBhan.

Also read: Lockdown flattened the wrong curve GDP instead of Covid: Rajiv Bajaj tells Rahul Gandhi

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India can build the boat as it sails rough Covid crisis waters, but should know where to go - ThePrint

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Eeb Allay Ooo is presented by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.

Ever since I saw Prateek Vats'social satire Eeb Allay Ooo!, something stayed with me. I don't know what. Eeb Allay Ooo!, which I watched as a part of We Are One: A Global Film Festival by YouTube, explores the plight of migrants and their vulnerability. With the migrant crisis coming to the surface during the lockdown, Eeb Allay Ooo! is an insight intothe life of the working class and their desperation to earn a few bucks. Young unskilled youth, who march their way to Delhi and other metro cities from their villages, are mostly unaware of the challenges they will be facing. Eeb Allay Ooo! reflects how the working class of the country has continued to engage in petty works with no job security, low pay and absolutely little or no respect. Prateek Vats' film draws a sharp line between the two worlds that exist. Without passing judgment, Eeb Allay Ooo! traverses from the Lutyens' Delhi to narrow lanes of those areas thatwe see (or say, prefer seeing)only from a distance.

Eeb Allay Ooo!, presented byfilmmaker Anurag Kashyap,premiered at Pingyao in China before it was shown at the Mumbai Film Festival.

Vats' film is on the monkey menace in Lutyens Delhi, North and South Block, the prime location of all government offices. This monkey problem,common in Delhi, created a job opportunity in which one is required to make the sound of 'Eeb-Allay-Ooo' --the sound of langurs (natural enemiesof the macaque monkeys).

Likeable Shardul Bhardwajplays the faint-hearted migrant Anjani,who is compelledto do this contractual 'government' job as he doesn't have any other skills. Despite not being able to put his heart and soul into the work, Anjani keeps on findinginnovative methods to shoo the monkeys away. Unfortunately, only to find himself in trouble each and every time. The desperation to earn livelihood in a different city drives Anjani into despair, gradually transforming him into another world--a liberating one.

Below I have listed five reasons (I know there are more) why Eeb Allay Ooo! is not a film you shouldmiss.

Eeb Allay Ooo! reflects how vulnerable we all are and most importantly quite easily replaceable. With tens of thousands of youthjuggling for a handful of jobs comes exploitation of workers (includingthose working in high-rise corporate offices). Anjani is made to feel guilty forhaving a tea break during his working hours. He tries to put his points before guruji (his contractor),only to give up due tohis own vulnerability. Eeb Allay Ooo! leaves you uncomfortable by portraying the sheer value of human life, especially, those who have been pushed to the edge of the social diagram.

Through the story of a city's power corridor rattled by monkeys, Eeb Allay Ooo! talks about the disparity that is deep-rooted. The disparity that goes unnoticed. The workers rendering their services in these posh areas (or any other location) often facethe bitterness and humiliation. This comes from thelack of empathy. When Anjani tries to convince a government employee not to feed monkeys, the 'Sarkari babu'threatens him by pretending to dial up his contractor's number. One more scene that depictshow humans are failing on the very humanitarian ground is whenAnjani's pregnant sister (played effortlessly by Nutan Sinha) requests some more time to complete the delivery orders. Thatsense of pride, whichcomes with such acts of oppression is the by-product of insensitivity.

The divisive nature of the society also comes to the forefront when Mahender (played by real monkey repeller Mahender Nath) and Anjani are at a fancy party to assure no disturbance by simians.

Humans are desperate and the desperation grows when one is left with no choice. Well!for the working class, it is a desperation to meet their daily needs. It is an everyday struggle to have something on their plate when they go back home. Anjani, who doesn't know how to cook, has no skills to be a plumber or electricianand doesn't want to be a sweeper, go through the congested lanes of Old Delhi to find any odd job. The desperation to makeends meetcanbe also seenwhen Anjani's brother-in-law (played by Shashi Bhushan), who works as a security guard in an amusement park, has to keep a gun for araise of Rs 1500.

Eeb Allay Ooo! sums up the world of the marginalised section and their helplessness.

From New Delhi's government buildings to narrow colourful lanes of Old Delhi, Sahi beautifully captures the locations without altering theirauthenticity. The expressionof kids in the langar scene (towards the end of the film) is one such momentwhen it becomes difficult to differentiate between the reel andthe real. Andhow can I forget monkeys, who looked as if they were responding to the camera.

The background music of Eeb Allay Ooo! hits hard, especially in thescene where a traumatised Anjani is sitting hopelessly with a mithai ka dabba in his hand.

Last but not the least, the subtle performances by Shardul Bhardwaj who plays Anjani, Nutan Sinha and Shashi Bhushan who play the lead's sister and brother-in-law,earn the credit of lifting up this well-written and beautifully-captured film. The pride with which Ajani's pregnant sister tells the doctor that he has a "government job" makes my heart melt.

The women characters of Eeb Allay Ooo! are strong. They are not there to toe the lines but to make their stand clear. Anjani's friend (Naina Sareen) doesn't hesitate to chide him and leave when he disrespects her.

Special shout out to Mahender Nath for playing himself which only he could have done. Am amazed!

Eeb Allay Ooo! is a thought-provoking film, which initially looks like asocial satire but then surprises you by endingon adarknote. (PS: Anjani's devilish Joker-like smile will haunt you in more than one way.)

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BANGKOK, Thailand The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) are partnering in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to help curb the spread of the virus and mitigate the impacts among the most vulnerable populations in Thailand, such as migrants and their families, and stateless ethnic minorities.

USAID has provided UNICEF grants totaling $700,000 to address the pandemic in Thailand. The COVID-19 crisis is upending the lives of the most vulnerable populations in Thailand, such as low-income populations, migrants, ethnic minorities, and transient workers, who often have limited access to critical health and hygiene information, as well as quality and affordable health services.

Migrants and other vulnerable groups were already facing a number of challenges even before the pandemic because of their status, language barriers, social stigma and discrimination, said Thomas Davin, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. The fight against COVID-19 must not leave anyone behind, young or old. Ultimately, this support protects the whole society. It is our collective responsibility to support the most vulnerable, regardless of their legal or ethnic status, and ensure that they are safe and have access to services to survive and stay healthy. The generous contribution from USAID is helping us reach more children and families who need support the most so that no one falls through the cracks.

"Beyond the immediate health impact, the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the livelihoods and social wellbeing of communities across Asia, said Peter A. Malnak, Mission Director of USAIDs Regional Development Mission for Asia. These burdens can be particularly acute on our most vulnerable populations, with disruptions to youth and adolescent education. USAID is pleased to partner with UNICEF and the Royal Thai Government in providing immediate assistance to mitigate the pandemic's social and economic impacts on the most vulnerable communities across Thailand. Together, working in solidarity, we will forge a new path to resilience, health, and wellbeing in the months ahead."

Under the USAID-UNICEF partnership, UNICEF is working with stakeholders including the Migrant Working Group, civil society organizations, international organizations, as well as the Royal Thai Government to provide coordinated and impactful support and ensure that adequate and timely assistance reaches children and families in migrant and non-Thai communities.

Among several initiatives under the USAID-UNICEF partnership, UNICEF is working with Raks Thai Foundation and World Vision to conduct community outreach and disseminate information materials on health and hygiene practices to some 120,000 migrants and ethnic minorities living in 22 provinces across Thailand. The materials are available in Burmese, Khmer, and Lao. Program partners are also providing psychological support and guidance for parents and caregivers to promote mental health and wellbeing in these communities.

Program partners also trained migrant youth to support their communities on COVID-19 prevention and anti-discrimination and are establishing emergency grants to help such young people continue their education and skills development.

The grant from USAID will help UNICEF and the Royal Thai Government in mitigating the short and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children by providing social services in the health and education sectors.

UNICEF is also distributing digital thermometers to 3,000 institutions, including early childhood development centers and schools in the southern border provinces, as well as residential care facilities and youth training centers nationwide.

USAID will support UNICEF in promoting increased access to essential services including mental health and social service hotlines. USAID will also support UNICEFs efforts to strengthen child protection at the community level, through increased capacity to detect, report, and refer cases of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children which may increase during COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions.

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