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Geneva, December 17, 2020 The president of the world’s largest humanitarian organization warns that inclusive action is urgently needed to safeguard the health and dignity of migrants around the world, and to ensure that they are not left behind when the first vaccines begin to be distributed COVID-19.
Speaking ahead of International Migrants Day tomorrow, the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Francesco Rocca, said: “As the first COVID-19 vaccines begin rolling out, migrants, regardless of their status, should not be left at the end of the queue. The pandemic is having a catastrophic impact on people on the move, who are too often left behind when it comes to accessing essential health services. It is imperative that we address the many barriers to universal health coverage and that migrants are fully included in national vaccination campaigns. “
A recent report from the International Federation “Less Protected, More Affected: Migrants and Refugees Facing Extraordinary Risks During the COVID-19 Pandemic” revealed that migrants have been disproportionately exposed and affected to the virus this year due to often limited access to essential health, water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as precarious and unsafe living and working conditions that make compliance difficult of Basic preventive measures. It also showed that migrants are the most affected by the economic consequences of COVID-19, are widely neglected of formal protection and safeguard measures, and regularly face stigma and discrimination, sometimes in the form of violence.
As countries begin their vaccination campaigns, migrants run a huge risk of being excluded once again. And the uneven distribution of vaccines between and within countries not only threatens to leave the most marginalized behind, but also risks undermining our shared health if the virus is allowed to continue unabated within unprotected communities.
* “For many months now, the International Federation has called for a vaccine for people that is delivered based on our shared humanity and our commitment to defeating this pandemic by first protecting the most vulnerable in society. None of us will be safe until may we all be safe. * * When future generations read about this pandemic in the history books, let them be proud that the world has treated migrants, refugees and asylum seekers with dignity instead of being ashamed that we have turned his back in this hour of greatest need, “added Mr. Rocca. *
Since the beginning of the pandemic, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world, with the support of the International Federation, have stepped up their support to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in response to the devastating effects on lives and livelihoods:
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In Turkey, household debts among refugees have doubled and more than 80% of respondents in a recent study by the International Federation and the Turkish Red Crescent reported losing their jobs due to the pandemic. Through the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN), funded by the European Union and implemented by the Turkish Red Crescent and the International Federation, 1.8 million refugees receive cash assistance each month to help meet their needs. essentials such as rent, transportation, bills, food and medicine. . Additional financial support was provided from June to August to help people get through particularly difficult months.
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In early October, a migrant caravan of more than 2,300 people crossed from Honduras to Guatemala. The Red Cross Societies of Guatemala and Honduras provided assistance and care to hundreds of migrants on both sides of the border. For the arriving migrants, Guatemalan Red Cross volunteers provided a variety of services including pre-hospital care, water, hygiene items, snacks, masks, and accessible information on COVID-19 prevention.
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Since early November, fighting in northern Ethiopia has caused at least 40,000 people to flee to neighboring Sudan. Arriving refugees are housed in temporary shelters in transit centers, where the Sudanese Red Crescent Society works together with the State Ministry of Health to provide medical care and emergency assistance. Together they have rehabilitated two clinics and are conducting health and nutrition screenings, medical consultations and referrals. The Red Crescent teams have provided soap, mosquito nets, mats, blankets and cookies to those who come. An additional truck of non-food emergency items has been dispatched for 500 families.
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In Greece, following a fire that destroyed the Moria camp in Lesbos and caused the flight of almost 11,000 refugees, the Hellenic Red Cross has been providing vital health services, shelter, essential items, psychosocial support and legal assistance to people relocated to Kara’s new field. You PE. Conditions in Kara Tepe do not meet international humanitarian standards, with sanitation and hygiene being the main concern and the tents are not yet fully winterized.
Media Contacts
In Geneva: Rebecca Cole, +41 79 245 56 80, [email protected]
In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67, [email protected]
