COVID-19 must be addressed through international solidarity and cooperation

(United Nations Development Programme Latin America and the Caribbean, 26 May 2020) – UN agencies part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNSDG LAC) expressed their concern over the profound health, social, protection and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on millions of refugees and migrants in the region, and called for more international support to scale up governments responses with special attention on the most vulnerable such as women and children.

“COVID-19 is a global challenge that must be addressed through international solidarity and cooperation” stated the UN agencies representatives. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “We are in this together – and we will get through this, together”, only with an inclusive approach that truly leaves no one behind, the region will be able to overcome this crisis of unparalleled magnitude and proportion.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted, either directly or indirectly, millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean, and refugees and migrants especially women and children are some of the worst affected. Thousands have lost their livelihoods and can no longer afford basic needs such as shelter, food, and health care; others could not continue to pay their rent and were evicted. Women, who are more likely than men to work informally and receive lower salaries, are even more affected. Vulnerable refugees and migrants are now on the streets – where they risk detention for their inability to obey physical distancing measures and comply with quarantines. Others are blocked at borders and need increased and immediate humanitarian assistance. Shocking and violent cases of discrimination and xenophobia have been reported throughout the region.

Read more at: UNDP Latin America and the Caribbean