March 17, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

On March 17th, The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR published a joint statement, saying that the resettlement travel for refugees would be postponed, because of concerns and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, travelling internationally may raise refugees’ exposure to the virus.

However, the statement added that this is the temporary method and called on countries to make sure the movements can continue for the most crucial emergency cases wherever possible.

According to UNHCR, 4.5 percent of estimated 1.4 million refugees globally are considered in urgent requirement of resettlement by UNHCR. The fast-evolving regulations affected refugees directly. Some experienced extended delays, and others might have been separated from their families. Only 1% of the refugees could get the opportunity to be resettled all over the world, according to the UN’s own figures.

Photo:Webshot.