United Nations: Concerns About Increased COVID-19 Spread Mount with Rising Number of Refugees Worldwide

United Nations officials are warning on the occasion of World Refugee Day that the global coronavirus pandemic has placed millions of refugees and displaced persons at far greater risk than the rest of the world’s vulnerable population, with an increasing share of the global population now living in migration and forced displacement.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland, among more than 70 million victims of war, injustice, and unprecedented oppression in the world, nearly 30 million people—approximately half of them—are refugees, and a significant majority of them live in poor countries with weak and fragile economic conditions and healthcare systems.

Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organization, says that the living conditions and circumstances of refugees have placed them at risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Mr. Adhanom said: “They [refugees] often have limited access to shelter, water, food, hygiene supplies, and medical services. The World Health Organization is deeply concerned about the current and real risk of COVID-19 spreading in refugee camps.”

The U.S. Secretary of State also stated on Saturday in a statement that World Refugee Day is an opportunity to recognize the courage and struggles of millions of refugees who have fled their homes due to persecution and conflict. He emphasized: “The United States is the world’s largest provider of humanitarian assistance and continues its long-standing tradition of generosity.”

Source: Voice of America