Welcome to issue 93 of the Call to Comms!
This week, we cover the earthquake in Myanmar; a solution for survivors to tell their families they are alive in the Mediterranean sea; and an uninterruptible power solution to ensure connectivity is available in shelters, even during power outages caused by missile attacks in Ukraine.
TSF mobilized after deadly earthquake in Myanmar
Safe messages for survivors in the Mediterranean
In search of safety and opportunities, many men, women and children have attempted to cross the Mediterranean in these past years. The crossing is perilous: makeshift boats often capsize, and the people onboard wait hours for help, cold and scared for their lives. Many drown before help comes. Search and rescue NGOs identify boats in distress, and save lives.
When they are on the NGO ship, one of the first things survivors want to do is to reassure their families that they are safe. They know their loved ones are anxious and worried about their silence; but there is no network in the middle of the sea.
To meet this urgent communication need, TSF has installed a one-way notification system on several Search & Rescue NGOs’ ships. Guided by the NGOs staff, survivors are able to send a predefined, safe message to reassure their loved ones that they are safe.
“The main thing that plagues your thoughts is the desire to reach your parents and family to tell them that you are finally in safe hands. Unfortunately, you are denied the sound of their voices, but you are able to send them a message to let them know that you are on the ship and that you are okay.”
A person rescued by the NGO Sea-Eye, who was able to send a message with TSF’s solution.
Inès Guittonneau
In Ukraine, preserving connectivity in IDPs shelters after missile attacks
As a result of missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy system, there are power outages in the country. For internally displaced people, who are often living in shelters away from their loved ones, it means being unable to communicate with them, access education and information, and more.
To ensure uninterrupted access to communication in centers where we have installed a free Wi-Fi system, TSF decided to adapt and use an uninterruptible power solution (UPS).
“This helps people stay connected regardless of the situation of power systems.”
TSF Ukraine’s ICT specialist.
The system has been tested successfully, able to quickly recharge and last a few hours, which is adapted to the outages. The solution is ready to be used, and is starting to be implemented in centers that will be able to rely on it when energy issues arise.
Listen to Ihor, Ukraine’s ICT specialist, as he explains this need and the technical insights you have to take into account:
In case you missed it: Meet Ximena Canal Laiton, the Researcher Working on Social Media and People on the Move in Latin America
How to combat misinformation online? What challenges do people face to access information? Mixed Migration Centre researcher Ximena discussed these topics that resonate with our project in Latin America to display essential information in shelters for migrants and asylum seekers.
“Outdated, incorrect or false information may expose migrants to misinformation, manipulation campaigns or misleading offers that can put them at risk of death, sexual violence, kidnapping, human trafficking, etc.”
Inès Guittonneau
See you in two weeks!
Member discussion