Last Friday Jude Habib was invited to join a TEDxLondon #ConversationsBeyondBorders which featured Jude in conversation with TEDxLondon curator Maryam Pasha who we work with on Being the Story – and Human Rights lawyer Sangeetha Iengar. It was an opportunity for Jude to share what she’s been hearing from grassroots organisations working on the frontline during this pandemic and how important it is to be active allies – listen to communities and ask what support they need.
Sangeetha spoke about the vulnerability of asylum seekers who are in refugee camps in Greece and elsewhere. In the conditions they live in it is almost impossible to follow World Health Organisation guidelines. Vulnerable people have nowhere to self-isolate from people, they cannot access healthcare in the same way that we can. The lesson to learn is that ‘covid-19 knows no borders.. if we leave anyone behind then we fail humanity’. Sangeetha hopes that this experience will encourage collective humanity and collective empathy.
‘It’s down to us to keep these voices out there’, Jude’s encourages us all to be active allies, making sure our networks know that there are groups that need support, and need that support now. Following this pandemic, she hopes that the people on the frontline are listened to, they have the solutions to the issues we’re facing.
If you missed the conversation you can watch it below:
Conversations Beyond Borders with Sangeetha Iengar and Jude Habib
Another exploration of topics beyond the headlines with TEDxLondon Director and Curator Maryam Pasha and special guests from our community. This week we’re exploring new legislation linked to COVID-19 and how vulnerable communities are coping with the pandemic. Thanks to Sangeetha Iengar and Jude Habib for joining us.
Posted by TEDxLondon on Saturday, March 28, 2020
Please do keep in touch and keep us updated with how you are doing, if we can help in anyway let us know. We’re here to be a sounding board/listening ear.