Refugees in the Coronavirus Pandemic
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The number of forcibly displaced people in the world has risen to nearly 80 million, and this crisis is putting many in dangerous and life-threatening situations. Of the around 216 countries affected by COVID-19, 134 report local transmission of the virus while being refugee-hosting states, and with this outbreak, refugees are even more vulnerable and are put in higher risk situations.
Due to their unstable living conditions and constant movement, refugees and those displaced are a very vulnerable population. |
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Many have limited access to water, sanitation, and health services, which makes them even more vulnerable during a global pandemic such as the outbreak of COVID-19. 80% of refugees are hosted in low to middle income countries, and hence do not have strong health systems in place. The cramped and overcrowded refugee camps in which many reside do not allow for adequate social distancing regulations to be followed, making community transmission practically unavoidable. For example, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh has a population density 1.5 times higher than that of New York City, with around 860,000 Rohingya refugees living there. Due to the large numbers, they are one of the most at risk populations in the world. Complete lockdown was imposed in April, but social distancing in living quarters remains difficult as large groups live in areas as small as 8x10 foot areas (approximately 2.44x3.01m).
The response of many to the outbreak has been going into lockdown as a country, and sometimes also closing borders to non-residents. In the wake of these lockdowns, businesses are closing whether temporarily or permanently, making refugees trapped and vulnerable to not only the disease, but to trafficking. If they are already in situations in which they’re being exploited, a lack of services may lead to refugees not being able to escape these situations or seek help. Otherwise, the vulnerability to all caused by COVID-19 can potentially lead to more traffickers exploiting refugees for their own benefit in such a difficult time, as they would not be getting the same income (no matter the form) as before the pandemic.
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Governments locking down their countries’ borders has left many refugees with nowhere to go. Some that have already seeked refuge in host countries have been granted citizenship so as to ensure they have better access to healthcare, however there are still large numbers of refugees arriving at borders that are being turned away. Host countries have claimed that allowing entry will diminish their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, wanting to protect those already within their borders. Earlier this year, Rohingya refugees were turned away and spent two months at sea between their initial journey and the time spent at sea after being turned away for virus related safety reasons. Not only do closed borders cause refugees to be stuck between borders, they also mean that refugees can sometimes not even leave the area they are wishing to flee, possibly putting them in even more danger. This was the case when borders were closed in the Sahel region, as people could no longer flee the violence they were trying to put behind them.
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Organisations such as the UNHCR, as well as refugees themselves are working to educate others on the spread of the virus, and the UNHCR continues to provide health services and cleaning supplies to communities. To address potential outbreaks in crowded areas such as Cox’s Bazar, the UNHCR has put up facilities for the treatment and isolation of patients so that they can provide care to both host communities, and the refugees being hosted. Many refugees have started small organisations with which they can provide information about the virus to other refugees, and spread awareness to more fortunate communities about how to help refugee communities. It is important that we as citizens of refugee-hosting countries support our own governments as well as external organisations work to support refugees during this pandemic, and always. Donations can be made directly to organisations such as the UNHCR to support their efforts. As they say on their website, they are looking for $745 million USD to help the countries with large refugee populations during COVID-19. The work of these people that are educating and helping with the refugee crisis during COVID is extremely important, and is something inspiring within the troubling topic.
Forced To Flee Director of Content, Gaby Chanen
References:
Root, Rebecca. “Around the World, Migrants and Refugees Are Stranded between Closed Borders.” Devex, Devex, 29 Apr. 2020
“UN Scaling up COVID-19 Response to Protect Refugees and Migrants.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/un-coronavirus-communications-team/un-scaling-covid-19-response-protect-refugees-and-migrants.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “Coronavirus Outbreak.” UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “UNHCR Warns of Increased COVID-19-Related Trafficking Risks for Refugees, Displaced and Stateless.” UNHCR
Root, Rebecca. “Around the World, Migrants and Refugees Are Stranded between Closed Borders.” Devex, Devex, 29 Apr. 2020
“UN Scaling up COVID-19 Response to Protect Refugees and Migrants.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/un-coronavirus-communications-team/un-scaling-covid-19-response-protect-refugees-and-migrants.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “Coronavirus Outbreak.” UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “UNHCR Warns of Increased COVID-19-Related Trafficking Risks for Refugees, Displaced and Stateless.” UNHCR
Covid-19 & Refugees, Migrants, IDPs & FDPs
Why should I care?
Refugees, migrants and other displaced people are very vulnerable members of society. They are especially at risk during this time due to the coronavirus pandemic. On a regular basis, they have very little access to clean water, safe sanitation, health facilities and medical staff. Over 80% of the world's refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) are currently in low to middle income countries. They often face many challenges and keeping them safe, means keeping everyone safe.
As the news shows, often refugees, migrants and IDPs live in tightly packed camps. Thanks to the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who have helped implement hand sanitisation stations and increased health care services in camps. These facilities as well as many others are vital in helping contain the spread of the virus and keeping people safe. The UNHCR in particular, also help to ensure rights and protections of forcibly displaced people are respected, including the right to seek asylum, despite many national borders being closed.
Your help is vital. Donate now to help vulnerable people who receive life-saving aid from the UNHCR. Now is not a time to neglect and forget about refugees, migrants, IDPs and forcibly displaced people. In fact, they are some of the most vulnerable people and they need are help. They are no different to you or anyone else. They are human beings too.
As the news shows, often refugees, migrants and IDPs live in tightly packed camps. Thanks to the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) who have helped implement hand sanitisation stations and increased health care services in camps. These facilities as well as many others are vital in helping contain the spread of the virus and keeping people safe. The UNHCR in particular, also help to ensure rights and protections of forcibly displaced people are respected, including the right to seek asylum, despite many national borders being closed.
Your help is vital. Donate now to help vulnerable people who receive life-saving aid from the UNHCR. Now is not a time to neglect and forget about refugees, migrants, IDPs and forcibly displaced people. In fact, they are some of the most vulnerable people and they need are help. They are no different to you or anyone else. They are human beings too.
