COVID-19: The Effect On Refugees

Overview

• The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to exacerbate the global refugee crisis.
• National and international responses to the COVID-19 pandemic must include provision for the most vulnerable in societies, including millions of refugees and others affected by wars, persecution and disasters.
• The principle of non-refoulement is a fundamental tenet of international law protecting refugees. Governments should find ways to reconcile entry restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 with this principle
• The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (the "UNHCR") has launched a global appeal to raise US$255 million for its urgent push to curb the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in these vulnerable communities.