© UNHCR/Mohamed Jimale


© UNHCR/Sylvain Cherkaoui


Crisis of a century: The global


humanitarian fight against COVID-19 How UNHCR is helping the forcibly displaced during a historic public health emergency


It is the single greatest global public health crisis in more than 100 years. There is no aspect of our daily lives that has not been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The virus does not discriminate.


Everyone is at potential risk of contracting COVID-19. But refugees and other forcibly displaced individuals are among the most vulnerable. They often live in overcrowded settings where the ability to physically distance is simply not possible. Access to soap, hygiene and sanitation facilities may be extremely limited. They may be hosted by densely populated communities with weak or inadequate health systems.


The COVID-19 pandemic has also created challenges for humanitarian organizations like UNHCR working urgently to support the forcibly displaced. Restrictions on movement and limited access to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people (IDPs) and stateless persons around the world remain in place.


As the deadly virus continues to spread, UNHCR’s ongoing efforts to keep displaced communities safe and healthy continues.


Key priorities in COVID-19 response:


• Ensuring health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are in place and adaptable


• Putting measures in place to prevent infections, such as increasing distribution of WASH and shelter materials


• Offering information on prevention measures like handwashing, physical distancing, and where to access health care services


• Providing cash-based assistance, which is useful in helping people make essential purchases such as food, rent payments or other basic needs in case of lockdown


What UNHCR is doing:


MEXICO: • Delivered thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment including face shields, masks and gloves.


• Provided information and equipment for shelters to establish isolation areas.


• Identified refugee doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who could be mobilized.


4 COLOMBIA:


• Provided 383 Refugee Housing Units (RHUs) and 119 tents donated to hospitals and clinics.


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