In mid-May 2020, most people found themselves in a country with closed borders, closed schools and businesses, and restricted freedom of movement. While the COVID-19 pandemic is considered as one of the largest public health crises of the past hundred years and has triggered ‘unprecedented’ government responses (Cheibub et al. 2020), the measures implemented also exhibit significant heterogeneity (Hale et al. 2020a). The Covid-19 pandemic is a social and an economic crisis just as much as it is a health one – its repercussions, severe and far reaching, are being felt across the world. From school closures to devastated industries and millions of jobs lost, the social and economic costs of the pandemic are many and varied.

This project aims to ensure the participation of the target population in decision making processes, whilst also recommending measures with a gender-based approach. The project would also like to strengthen cooperation between civil society, citizens and decision makers that can mitigate many of the challenges and improve the quality of life for the target group. The project objectives are as follows:

●  To undertake a gender-based research study, analysing the social and economic effects on vulnerable groups;
●  To undertake a series of debates and seminars, focusing on the curtailment of fundamental rights on vulnerable groups;
●  To raise awareness and actively counter disinformation, through a campaign, a publication and workshops focusing on media literacy.

Our activities will be geared towards empowering vulnerable groups like migrants, Roma and other minorities with media literacy tools to counter disinformation, whilst also researching, discussing and debating the social and economic repercussions brought on by the COVID-19 crisis to increase their knowledge on Fundamental Rights.

The identified problems that will be tackled in this proposed project are:

●  The widening gender-based inequalities because of the COVID-19 crisis;
●  The curtailment of fundamental rights, especially with regards to minorities and other vulnerable groups;
●  The proliferation of disinformation and its effect on democratic debate;
●  The need for media literacy, with the help of experts.

The project will run for 18 months till April 2024. The project has 7 partners from: Malta (lead), Romania, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Slovenia and Slovakia.

Work Packages

Work Package 1 – Research Preparation

Research Preparation

CCIF and its partners met in Bratislava, Slovakia for two day workshops to establish the methodology of the research study; determining
methods, procedures, analysis and interpretation. The workshops started by defining the research question and determining methods of data
collection to be used. This involved several decisions that needed to be taken in order to come up with the best fit for all the targeted groups. The
overall decision involved the agreed approach to be used to collect data and from which target groups. This Work Package was led by Babes
Bolyai University (UBB)who coordinated and designed the Research Questionnaire after all partners had conferred on what UBB had proposed.
UBB will also be responsible for analysing and interpretation of the research results. “The event took place on date 23-24 January 2023 with
the participation of 25 persons from 6 countries.”


Work Package 2 - Research study

CCIF and its partners conducted a gender based research and a total number of 274 respondents, recruited by the project partners from the beneficiaries of their organizations answered one questionnaire regarding the impact of COVID-19 measures (described in the Report https://is.gd/fXXEgA . The respondents were referred to as vulnerable people, given their status in the country, their family situation, their ethnic or social background. With respect to their countries of birth, as part of the respondents were immigrants to the countries of residence, the sample was highly heterogeneous. Most participants were born in Slovenia (a number of 43 of the total number), Romania (33 of the total number), Slovakia (28 participants), Italy (20 participants), Portugal (a number of 19 participants), France (a number of 17 of the total number), Germany (a number of 13), Serbia (11 participants), Macedonia (8 participants), Colombia (7 participants), Timor-Leste (7 participants), Spain (6 participants), Martinique (5 participants), Zimbabwe (5 participants), Greece (4 participants), Poland (4 participants), 3 participants from: Bosnia, Brazil, Iraq, 2 participants from each of the following: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Malta, Syria, and one participant from the following countries of birth: Belgium, Egypt, Georgia, Ghana, Guadalupe, Haiti, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Reunion Island, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA.


Work Package 3 - Debates and Recommendations on Curtailed Liberties Amidst Covid Crisis

Debates and Recommendations on Curtailed Liberties Amidst Covid Crisis

Between March and April, 28 debates and discussions were held across 7 partner countries. More than 900 people from different backgrounds participated in these events that were held in various cities i.e Floriana, Marsa and Marsaxlokk in Malta, Bratislava in Slovakia, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Beja in Portugal, Palermo in Italy, Wuppertal in Germany, and Cluj Napoca in Romania. These events provided a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in meaningful conversations on a range of topics, share their thoughts, ideas, and solutions for some of the most pressing issues facing our societies today.

DEBATE 1: Lack of possibilities of working and associated unemployment.

This debate was focused on people’s lack of opportunities to work during the Pandemic. One of the freedoms that was curtailed was not only work, but also all that goes with work, not only in terms of income, but also in terms of having something to do in life and to give life a richer meaning. During the pandemic, though, many people finished up without a job to go to because of the lockdown that was imposed. In some parts of the world, civil society organizations have been able to close the gaps that their governments failed to fill and have dealt with the corona crisis creatively. During these debates, participants realized that job loss and business closures may be terrible for individuals and communities during times of economic crisis and health pandemics, therefore they made some of these recommendations.

Recommendations

Provide support to people who have lost jobs or their businesses, figure out fair system.

Job training programs so where governments and organizations can also invest in job training programs to help individuals develop new skills and transition into new industries and also provide Income supplements so as to support the vulnerable in the society who are unable to sustain themselves during a crisis. Providing financial and other support for individuals and businesses affected by the measures, such as unemployment benefits, small business loans, and rent subsidies should be highly considered in times of crisis.

The participants did agree, however, that by working together, we can build a society that is more inclusive and resilient and in which everyone has the chance to prevail regardless of the situation.

Debate 2: Lack of educational opportunity.

The lack of opportunities for education during Covid are associated with the closure of schools. This debate was focused on the implications of Covid on education, particularly its impact on the losing out of its formative aspects in children’s and adolescents’ socialization, and on its implications on their studies and their prospects for advancing themselves, including, at college and university levels.

This debate was focused on how Covid has had an impact on education, focusing both on the closure and re-opening of schools, colleges and universities, and what implications it had for the children, their families, and other informal education agents, like youth clubs, sports clubs and activity clubs that children and possibly also older people attend. To address the issues of the lack of educational opportunities during future prospective crisis, a number of points and recommendations have been made by the participants.

Recommendations

The participants encouraged that governments and organizations need to invest in technological infrastructure that can ensure remote learning access, and provide teachers training and resources for remote learning, offer flexible schedules and accommodations for students with disabilities, and deal with the psychological effects of the pandemic on students. Furthermore, they recommended that in order to ensure that all students have access to the finest educational opportunities and study resources, educational institutions should adapt quickly in terms of syllabuses, as is supporting students’ mental wellbeing by offering free psychological services.

The pandemic has brought to light the value of public education and the necessity for increased funding for educational systems to guarantee that all pupils have access to an equal education especially during situations like Covid-19.

Debate 3: Harsh measures that restrict people’s freedom.

During the COVID 19 pandemic some countries executed harsh measures against people protesting against Covid regulations. This debate was focused on exploring if the measures to curb the pandemic have also been abused to undermine democracy and put people who disagree with the state including human rights activists and certain journalists with voices that dissented with those of governments under pressure. As a result, they put forth a number of recommendations to address the difficulties experienced by diverse groups in an effort to build a society that is more just and equitable.

Recommendations

Protecting of civil liberties governments can ensure that measures are necessary, proportionate, and time-limited, and do not unnecessarily restrict civil liberties. A lot of young people now experience depression and anxiety as a result of the pandemic, which has had a negative impact on mental health. To assist people in overcoming the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, it’s critical to offer emotional support, such as counseling services or a secure environment in which to express feelings.

Debate 4: Closed Borders and Travel Restrictions.

Closed borders are always traumatic to those wishing to travel for whatever reason. Travel restrictions have been implemented previously, although to a more limited extent. This has had implications for refugees, asylum seekers, students, migrant workers, pilgrims, travellers, domestic workers, textile merchants and migrants who have travelled abroad to get medical assistance have found themselves stranded and destitute at airports, at or between land border entry points, and at sea without means to return to their home country. This debate was focused on exploring how closed borders and travel restrictions impacted vulnerable people and citizens. The participants expressed their ideas after pointing out that the effects of these measures on people and communities cannot be ignored. Therefore, offered these recommendations.

Recommendations

The participants noted that it is difficult to witness scenes of boats with migrants stopped for months at sea using the health emergency as an excuse therefore, the governments should make laws and or restrictions that are humane. Governments should refrain from implementing coercive measures that restrict people’s freedom of movement and enacting laws that necessitate restricted individual freedoms as an act of tyranny, instead, laws should be made to safeguard both individual freedoms and the public’s health. Support for affected individuals and businesses by the governments should be a priority. Young youth who participated in the debates recommended that in future swab tests for young people should made be appropriate for young people.

The participants did agree that as we navigate through these challenging times, working together to build a society that is more just and equitable for all should be a priority.


Work Package 4 - Fundamental Rights Seminars

The consortium held two seminars each focusing on fundamental rights focusing on two topics: Access to information and gender inequalities during covid-19 pandemic.It was generally agreed that, it is important to recognize that ensuring access to real information is an ongoing process. As the Covid-19 pandemic evolves and new information becomes available, it is important to continue to provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date information to the public. This requires collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including health organizations, governments, and media outlets, in order to promote a culture of transparency and trustworthiness.  Addressing gender inequalities during the Covid-19 crisis required a multi-faceted approach that involves promoting economic support for women, addressing the digital divide, promoting women’s leadership, addressing gender-based violence, addressing the care burden, and collecting gender-disaggregated data. By implementing these solutions, governments and other stakeholders can work towards a more equitable and gender-sensitive response to the pandemic. Quite a number of men pointed out that men felt more exposed to the risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to their families as most of them worked in services that were deemed critical such as emergency responders, food couriers, construction workers and care givers etc. Some men suffered psychological manipulation by women leading to depression. Women, especially those who worked in the informal sector had less access to social protections and majority of them were single parent households, making them more vulnerable during the pandemic and no recourse to social assistance given by the government. Women cited that there was no privacy in hospitals due to the pandemic as men and women shared the same space due to isolation rules. Some women became victims of domestic violence and given the situation they were forced to live under one roof with their abusers due to isolations restrictions and regulations.

From the many recommendations forwarded  below is a sample of a few that we picked for this summary:

Recommendations

ensuring access to reliable and accurate information during the Covid-19 crisis is crucial in order to help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety, as well as to support evidence-based decision-making by policymakers.
Another approach to ensuring the reliability of information is to promote critical thinking and media literacy. Individuals can be taught to evaluate sources of information, check for biases, and identify misinformation. This can be particularly important in situations where fake news is widespread.
Addressing gender-based violence: Governments and other stakeholders can take steps to prevent and respond to gender-based violence during the pandemic. This can include increasing funding for support services, implementing policies to prevent violence and protect women’s rights, and providing alternative housing options for women who are experiencing violence. Addressing the care burden: To address the increased care burden on women during the pandemic, governments and other stakeholders can provide support for caregiving, such as flexible work arrangements, paid parental leave, and subsidies for childcare services.

Collecting gender-disaggregated data: Governments and other stakeholders should collect and analyze gender-disaggregated data to better understand the gendered impacts of the pandemic and develop effective policies and interventions.


Work Package 5 - Countering Disinformation With Experts

CCIF and its partners held several workshops three by each partner covering issues related to Countering Disinformation with experts. These workshops especially the media literacy one was facilitated by a communications or media expert or a journalist. Most of the partners covered topics related to fake news, propaganda, and misiniformation besides the Media Literacy one which was common among all the partners. A number of the workshops were held face to face and the rest were virtual. It was discussed that social media influencers inform their followers of new products, new developments and even breaking news and its up to individuals to screen what they hear and see. Participants were taught about the CRAAP test. There are a lot of sources out there, and it can be hard to determine whether they are sufficiently credible, but doing so is an important media literacy skill.
What is the CRAAP test? The CRAAP test has 5 main components

  •  Currency: Is the source up to date?
  • Relevance: Is the source relevant to your research?
  • Authority: Where is the source published? Who is the author? Are
    they considered reputable and trustworthy in their field?
  • Accuracy: Is the source supported by evidence? Are the claims
    cited correctly?
  • Purpose: What was the motive behind publishing this source?

Participants were urged to apply the CRAAP test to any news item they come across that they suspect to be false. Participants also discussed in groups methods they employ to test the validity of information they
receive especially over social media.

In these discussions, propaganda was discussed from both a historical and modern perspective, with a focus on its development and widespread impact. Participants emphasized elements like cognitive biases and low media literacy to demonstrate how susceptible some people are to false information.

Given the abundance of information available in the digital age, a major area of emphasis was the vital significance of media content analysis in determining the truth. The possible impact of falsified information on public opinion and societal cohesiveness was highlighted during the discussion on the hazards of it.

In addition, participants discussed media outlets that they thought were reliable or questionable and exchanged ideas on this topic. The discourses deliberated on the current significance of many media channels, examining their flexibility in response to the dynamic information environment.

Most importantly, the discussion highlighted the difficulties presented by false information, emphasizing the requirement for analysis perceptive in the world of media.

Countering Disinformation Booklet

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16b3sOX-q5M5u4pqNSgcmdt51t0cdjq0h/view?usp=sharing

View Fullscreen

Work Package 6 Countering Disinformation Through Awareness

The consortium initiated an online campaign from October 2023 onwards to elevate the European
Union project, “Rise.” Central to this campaign was the focus on digitalization and the critical skill of
discerning fake news. The initiative involved the creation of articles, each providing insights into digital
literacy and the tools necessary for navigating the increasingly complex digital landscape. These
articles were complemented by a series of visually compelling video reels, which were designed to
educate about the nuances of identifying and debunking fake news. This is especially pertinent
because misinformation can spread rapidly across digital platforms.
The campaign’s content was thoughtfully distributed across various social media channels to reach a
diverse audience. On Facebook and Instagram’s visual platform was perfect for succinct, impactful
infographics and video content that simplified the complexities of digital literacy for easy
understanding. Articles were also posted on Linkedin as well as Twitter. LinkedIn’s professional
network was leveraged to share the project, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy. This
included sharing best practices for identifying fake news and ensuring the integrity of information in a
professional context. YouTube provided a space for video content, including detailed guides, expert
interviews, and educational documentaries. These resources were invaluable for individuals and
organizations seeking to develop a deeper understanding of digital literacy and the importance of
accurate information.
Through this multifaceted online presence we brought to the fore the critical issues of digitalization
and fake news. The campaign not only raised awareness about the Rise project but also played a
crucial role in educating the public about these vital 21st-century skills, demonstrating the influential
role of digital media in promoting awareness and education on pivotal contemporary issues.
Below are some of the links to the social media posts done by the consortium.

Countering disinformation and media literacy campaigns
The consortium diligently executed a series of awareness-raising campaigns aimed at
countering disinformation and promoting media literacy. These initiatives encompassed a
diverse array of topics, engaging participants through both traditional face-to-face interactions
and innovative online platforms. While the majority of the campaigns were conducted in
person, one noteworthy effort stood out for its digital outreach.
The campaign content explored critical areas such as:
1. Spotting Fake News: Empowering individuals to discern credible information from
deceptive sources.
2. Smart Online Behavior: Educating on responsible and savvy internet usage practices.
3. Online Safety and Bullying: Addressing the importance of digital security and combating
cyberbullying.
4. Critical Thinking in Social Media: Equipping individuals with the skills to navigate social
platforms with discernment.
5. Combatting Disinformation: Strategies to identify, challenge, and counteract
misinformation.
6. Safe Online Communication: Ensuring effective and secure online interactions.
7. Disinformation's Societal Threat: Highlighting the broader implications of misinformation on
society.
8. Access to Reliable Information: Promoting the value of seeking and utilizing trustworthy
sources.
By fostering awareness and imparting essential skills, the campaigns played a pivotal role in
bolstering media literacy and resilience against the pervasive threat of disinformation.

Work Package 7 Dissemination of Project Results

The consortium, along with four partners from various EU Member States and stakeholders,
convened a pivotal one-day conference in Valletta to disseminate the project's findings.
Notably, the esteemed presence of President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr.
Cyrus Engerer, a Member of the European Parliament, added gravitas to the event. Both
dignitaries delivered keynote addresses, providing valuable insights and perspectives to the
participants.
Dr. Vincent Caruana, representing the University of Malta, delivered a thought-provoking
keynote address on media literacy, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of
greenwashing. He highlighted how companies often mislead consumers by falsely portraying
their products as environmentally friendly, thereby contributing to confusion and
misinformation. Dr. Caruana's address resonated deeply with the attendees, sparking
discussions and prompting the consortium to consider further exploration of the topic in
future projects.
Additionally, two doctors from Babes Bolyai University presented their research findings,
shedding light on pertinent issues within the realm of media literacy and disinformation, and
the hardships that were experienced by vulnerable persons during the pandemic.The
insights shared during these presentations spurred collaborative efforts among the partners
to address the highlighted issues in their respective initiatives.
The conference concluded on a high note, with President Emeritus Coleiro Preca, Mr.
Engerer, and other participants receiving comprehensive research reports, booklets on
countering disinformation, and policy recommendations. This exchange of knowledge and
resources marked a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against disinformation and the
promotion of media literacy.
The consortium also did a video each announcing the results, these video were posted on
social media platforms. Associate partners also posted on social media the results as well as
sending out a newsletter to their partners, target group and stakeholders.
Moreover, the conference proceedings were made accessible to a wider audience through
the distribution of resource links, ensuring that the valuable insights shared during the event
could reach beyond the confines of the conference hall. Overall, the conference served as a
catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and action in the pursuit of a more informed and
resilient society.
Herewith the links to the project results as shared with the participants.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l-KRbkF2kcYKvgv8vQ2R13Qf8E4yWO6w/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QHZn1acDTxfJLMBwvtW7NEifxpV7d46Y/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2kspmRHKx7aRsSP62QljBy1wEesmDzZ/view?usp=sharin
g
The sharing of the results will be ongoing.