COVID-19 Threatens Refugee Camps: Economist

Refugee camps around the world are under urgent threats of COVID-19 due to high density and lack of necessary medical supplies. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are more than 70 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, most of whom dwell in low- and middle-income countries. Poor conditions will allow the virus to spread. Social distancing is almost impossible in the camps, with density that can be 10 times greater than that of cruise ships that have reported hundreds of confirmed cases. Food and freshwater are inadequate, let alone sanitation and medical care. However, the host governments lack resources, and some have started encouraging refugees to return to home countries. In Bangladesh, the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar are banned from using mobile phones and internet due to the government’s concerns about potential protests. Meanwhile, hostility to NGOs is increasing as refugees worry that aid workers may bring the virus into the camps. – YaleGlobal

COVID-19 Threatens Refugee Camps: Economist

Refugee camps worldwide are facing an urgent threat of the COVID-19 due to lack of necessary resources
Saturday, April 11, 2020

Read the article from the Economist about worries for refugee camps during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Year	Worldwide Forcibly Displaced Population (2012-2018, million) 2012	 36  2013	 43  2014	 55  2015	 64  2016	 68  2017	 71  2018	 75
(Source: UNHCR)

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