The Coronavirus Pandemic and the Refugee Crisis [Infographic] — Venngage
By: Alice Corner
Tags: Infographics, Coronavirus, World Refugee Day, Covid 19, Refugees

One group of people who are impacted the most by the Coronavirus Pandemic is the world’s population of refugees and displaced people.

We analyzed the data to help paint a fuller picture of COVID-19’s impact on the refugee crisis.

The Scale of the Refugee Crisis

57% of the world’s refugees come from just three countries: Syria, Afghanistan and South Sudan.

The amount of people displaced across the world has more than doubled in the last 20 years, and the trend is set to continue.

Who Are Refugees?

Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their home country and cross national borders in search of safety. Refugees often leave their homes to escape war, famine, or persecution.

80% of all refugees live in neighboring countries to their country of origin. Two thirds of all refugees come from five countries: Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia.

Children of refugees are more than; and out of the 2.7 million refugees in South Sudan currently, 5 times less likely to be in school than their peers 80% are women and children .

Whilst the world has stood still to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, refugees haven’t had the same luxury.

In late May 2020, 400 people attempted to flee Libya by boat , and there are at least 75,000 people outside of the United States awaiting their immigration trials-which have been put on hold indefinitely due to the Coronavirus Pandemic .

What Challenges do Refugees Face from COVID-19?

Refugees face unique challenges in a pandemic that many of us will not have even considered. Alongside settling in countries with poor health infrastructure out of necessity, refugees may have language barriers in accessing what healthcare is available to them.

Many refugees will also be separated from their families and support networks. In South Sudan there are 50,000 lone children refugees without guardians to advocate for their safety or wellbeing.

Outside of already settled people, many refugees have had their . So far 167 countries have fully or partially closed their borders to contain the spread of the virus. At least 57 states are making immigration applications put on indefinite hold no exception for people seeking asylum .

-makeshift settlements with insecure access to running water, healthcare, , and even sometimes . Refugee camps are often 2.6 million refugees live in “camps” proper sanitation internet overcrowded and face hostility from locals and law enforcement. It is impossible to practice proper social distancing in overcrowded environments.

The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) outlines clear guidance to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water

Avoid crowded places, and practice social distancing

Stay home and isolate if you have symptoms

Staying home and isolating yourself is difficult when you don’t have a safe home.

Coronavirus has been identified as and is suspected to be being present in refugee camps in Bangladesh spreading in Sudan . But we are unlikely to know the full extent of COVID’s impact on refugees for some time.

In the US we talk about undocumented migrants, a group of people who are unable to access healthcare or government assistance without facing deportation. Accessing healthcare or governmental support if they become ill or lose their job can be a risk.

Originally published at https://venngage.com on June 17, 2020.