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+38,500
cases of COVID-19 among forcibly displaced people across 103 countries (as of December 2020).
80%
of the world’s refugee population live in countries with weak health, water and sanitation systems.
74%
of refugees are able to meet just half or less of their basic needs as a result of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic knows no borders, no backgrounds, no barriers. It has threatened millions of lives and livelihoods across the globe – and those forced to flee have been hit the hardest.
The majority of refugees and displaced people are hosted in countries with weak health, water and sanitation systems, making them particularly vulnerable to the disease. The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has further compounded these challenges, with many refugees losing their livelihoods and struggling to make ends meet. UN Refugee Agency reports show that approximately 74 percent of refugees are able to meet just half or less of their basic needs as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
UNHCR has been scaling up health, water, sanitation and hygiene services and implementing prevention measures to protect refugees and host communities during this public health emergency. It is also working closely with governments to ensure vulnerable displaced families are included in national preparation and response plans - including vaccination allocation and distribution plans - and supporting those who are experiencing economic hardship during the crisis.
VIDEO
A global pandemic requires a global response. With your support, we can prevent the coronavirus disease from spreading and save millions of vulnerable displaced families worldwide.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, UNHCR has been on the ground coordinating efforts to safeguard the rights and needs of forcibly displaced communities and to ensure they have access to essential services and lifesaving support, particularly in densely populated areas.
UNHCR’s coronavirus prevention and response operations are focused on the following areas:
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COVID-19 update: Facts about the novel coronavirus and how it impacts refugees
Coronavirus could have a devastating impact on refugee families. They urgently need shelter, protection and safety. You can help rush critical supplies like medicine, clean water, hygiene supplies and personal protection kits to desperate children and families. You can provide refugees with emergency support, long-term care and hope for the future.
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