Populations at Risk: Implications of COVID-19 for Hunger, Migration and Displacement
Channel: UNU MERIT
Date: 2021-03-25

Katrina Frappier & Rafaelle Robelin, WFP & IOM

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit at a time when hunger has been on the rise over four consecutive years, mainly due to conflict, climate-related shocks and economic crises. At the same time, forced displacement has reached record highs. The COVID-19 pandemic has had deep implications for migration and hunger dynamics. While overall mobility was expected to decline in 2020 due to the pandemic, it may ultimately increase over time as more people will be compelled to move if they can no longer make ends meet in their current location.

During this lecture series, WFP and IOM will present the findings of their joint publication that highlights the close interconnection between hunger, conflict, migration and displacement, which has been further aggravated by COVID-19. The study explores the impact of the pandemic on the livelihoods, food security and protection of migrant workers, households dependent on remittances and the displaced. Using the latest available data, the report highlights food security trends in some of the major migration and hunger hotspots across the world. The key findings have informed joint recommendations put forward by both agencies to mitigate the immediate negative effects on mobile and displaced populations while preparing the pathway to recovery.