UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on nations to respect human dignity and uphold human rights as COVID-19 continues to heavily impact migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons. Guterres stressed that travel restrictions and border controls implemented to curb the spread of the virus must not violate these fundamental principles.
During his policy brief titled “COVID-19 and People on the Move,” Guterres highlighted how the pandemic has devastated lives and livelihoods globally, with the most vulnerable groups, including refugees and displaced persons, being the hardest hit. He emphasized that these populations face a triple crisis—health, socioeconomic, and protection challenges—as a result of the pandemic.
Guterres noted that migrants and displaced individuals are often exposed to the virus in crowded living conditions, where access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation is limited, making physical distancing nearly impossible. Additionally, those working in the informal economy, particularly migrants, face significant socioeconomic risks, as they lack access to social protection systems.
The Secretary-General warned that the economic fallout from COVID-19 could result in a drastic decline in remittances, with an estimated USD 109 billion loss, which would severely impact the 800 million people who rely on these funds for survival.
Further complicating matters, over 150 countries have imposed border restrictions, and at least 99 of these countries have not made exceptions for asylum seekers. Guterres raised concerns about the rise in xenophobia, racism, and stigma fueled by the pandemic, which disproportionately affects refugees and migrants.
Despite these hardships, Guterres acknowledged the invaluable contributions of refugees and migrants, particularly in essential services, with about 1 in 8 nurses globally working in a country different from where they were born.
The UN Chief concluded by calling for an inclusive response to the pandemic, stressing that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.” He urged nations to ensure equitable access to diagnostics, treatment, and vaccines and to reimagine human mobility in a way that upholds dignity and supports vulnerable populations.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
