Menu
 
Global Overview

With coronavirus now present in every country worldwide, the world’s 71 million refugees and forcibly displaced people are among the most exposed and vulnerable. For people who fled wars and persecution, the impact on their mostly hand-to-mouth existence and on their hosts has been devastating.

While no outbreaks in refugee and internally displaced camps and settlements have so far been reported, UNHCR is rapidly responding in 134 refugee-hosting countries that are reporting local transmission. Our teams around the world are preparing fast and bracing for the worst.

In order to do this, UNHCR has called for an extra $490 million as part of the UN’s revised $6.7bn appeal for COVID-19.

This will help UNHCR to further strengthen national health and sanitation systems, provide vital protection services and ramp up cash assistance for the most vulnerable.

Together with our partners, UNHCR is determined to stay the course and deliver for refugees, internally displaced, stateless people, and their hosts, and ensure their inclusion in public health responses and social safety nets.

Additional guidance documents are available in the left hand menu while country specific details on their operational pages.

For any inquiries, please contact the UNHCR Partnership Section, hqng00 @ unhcr.org.

  Highlights
In Latin America which accounts for nearly half of the deaths and cases worldwide, the combination of the hurricane season in the north of Central America and COVID-19 is exacerbating humanitarian needs. To combat these emergencies, UNHCR in El Salvador, together with the joint response team provided aid to 1,150 communities and information to 1.2 million people, while in Guatemala, UNHCR delivered bulk beds and mattresses to shelters.
22 Jun 2020
UNHCR’s Global Trends for 2019 reports that forced displacement now affects more than one per cent of humanity – 1 in every 97 people – and fewer and fewer are able to return home. COVID-19 exacerbates their situation even more, as it has an unprecedented global social and economic impact and is also affecting asylum systems. Under the theme ‘Everyone can make a difference, Every Action Counts’, UNHCR marked World Refugee Day on 20 June 2020.
20 Jun 2020
UNHCR has embarked in new cash-based interventions in 40 countries and scaled up its existing cash assistance in 25 operations. Cash assistance helps to bridge the gap between the initial socio-economic impact of the pandemic and the time it takes to install national and international safety nets.
15 Jun 2020
Global : Countries, areas or territories with confirmed COVID cases JSON 
216
Last updated 20 May 2020
Source - World Health Organization 
Refugee-hosting countries reporting local transmission of COVID-19 JSON 
134
Last updated 20 May 2020
Source - UNHCR Global COVID-19 Situation Report 
  Guidance Documents
  • Download

    COVID-19, Displacement and Climate Change

    document
    UNHCR and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research published this document to highlight the linkages between COVID-19, Displacement and Climate Change.
    Published: 24 June 2020 (4 days ago)
    Uploaded: 24 June 2020 (3 days ago)
  • UNHCR Briefing Note: Latest Developments in displacement dynamics in countries neighbouring Syria

    document
    This note has been developed in the context of the Brussels IV Conference 2020. It speaks to Panel III on Protection and Supporting Syria’s Displaced Population.
    Published: 22 June 2020 (6 days ago)
    Uploaded: 24 June 2020 (3 days ago)
  • UNHCR MENA - Mental Health and Psychosocial Response during COVID-19 Outbreak

    document
    This report from UNHCR's MENA bureau provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of UNHCR's persons of concern and UNHCR's activities in this regard to improve the mental healt...
    Published: 14 June 2020 (14 days ago)
    Uploaded: 16 June 2020 (11 days ago)
  • Remote Interviewing: Practical Considerations for States in Europe

    document
    This paper provides practical considerations on remote interviewing for states in Europe during the COVID pandemic.
    Published: 12 June 2020 (16 days ago)
    Uploaded: 24 June 2020 (3 days ago)
  • UNHCR’s Emerging Practices on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

    document
    This document presents a brief overview of how UNHCR adapts its activities for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to the changing context of the pandemic.
    Published: 11 June 2020 (17 days ago)
    Uploaded: 15 June 2020 (12 days ago)
  • Download

    Report of the Secretary-General: COVID-19 and People on the Move

    document
    Policy Brief on the Impact of COVID-19 on Refugees, IDPs and Migrants
    Published: 3 June 2020 (25 days ago)
    Uploaded: 3 June 2020 (24 days ago)
  • Risk Communication and Community Engagement: Positive Practices from Europe during COVID-19

    document
    This paper is an initial compilation of the promising practices on risk communication and community engagement that have developed in Europe during the COVID pandemic.
    Published: 1 June 2020 (27 days ago)
    Uploaded: 8 June 2020 (19 days ago)
  • Download

    Preparedness, prevention and control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for refugees and migrants in non-camp settings

    document
    Developed by WHO
    Published: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 28 April 2020 (1 month ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Guidance on COVID-19 for Outbreak Readiness and Response Operations - Camps and Camp-like Settings

    document
    IASC Interim Guidance on COVID-19 for Outbreak Readiness and Response Operations - Camps and Camp-like Settings
    Published: 23 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 23 March 2020 (3 months ago)
  • Download

    UNHCR Cash Assistance and COVID-19: Emerging Field Practices

    document
    This document is a snapshot of the many innovative field practices emerging in light of COVID-19. UNHCR preparedness and response to COVID-19 is comprehensive including cash assistance as a quick and ...
    Published: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19: Emerging Practices. Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion

    document
    This document is a snapshot of emerging practices on livelihoods and economic inclusion to respond to the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Published: 31 May 2020 (28 days ago)
    Uploaded: 8 June 2020 (19 days ago)
  • Download

    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions

    document
    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Livelihoods Short Guidance on COVID-19Response

    document
    UNHCR’sprimary objective in this crisis is to protect refugees who are exposed to COVID-19 and to protect the livelihoods of refugees during the crisis. This document provides points that could be tak...
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Savings Group Risk Mitigation, Support, and Engagement in Relation to COVID-19

    document
    Savings Group Risk Mitigation, Support, and Engagement in Relation to COVID-19
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Financial Inclusion Short Guidance on COVID-19 Response

    document
    This document is an annex to the Livelihoods Short Guidance on COVID-19 Response and is specifically addressed to UNHCR operations which have established partnerships with financial service providers ...
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    MERS Guidance in Response to COVID-19

    document
    In this rapidly evolving context, we know it is important to continue providing updates of the latest thinking from MERS collaborators. Below are updates to the March 25 guidance on how the MERS Stand...
    Published: 12 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19 and the world of work: Impact and policy responses

    document
    This note offers the ILO’s preliminary assessment concerning the possible impacts of COVID-19 on the world of work and proposes a range of policy options to mitigate these impacts and facilitate stron...
    Published: 25 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Policy Brief: The Impact of COVID-19 on Women

    document
    9 April 2020
    Published: 9 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 20 May 2020 (1 month ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19: Case Management, GBVIMS/GBVIMS+ and the COVID-19 pandemic

    document
    Guidance Note
    Published: 30 March 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 11 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19: Gender-based violence prevention, risk mitigation and response during COVID-19

    document
    Developed by UNHCR
    Published: 26 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 8 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • UNHCR MENA - Mental Health and Psychosocial Response during COVID-19 Outbreak

    document
    This report from UNHCR's MENA bureau provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of UNHCR's persons of concern and UNHCR's activities in this regard to improve the mental healt...
    Published: 14 June 2020 (14 days ago)
    Uploaded: 16 June 2020 (11 days ago)
  • UNHCR’s Emerging Practices on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

    document
    This document presents a brief overview of how UNHCR adapts its activities for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to the changing context of the pandemic.
    Published: 11 June 2020 (17 days ago)
    Uploaded: 15 June 2020 (12 days ago)
  • Download

    WHO Interim Guidance: Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19

    document
    Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19
    Published: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Guidance note on the Importation and Customs clearance of Medicines and Medical Equipment in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COV...

    document
    Guidance note on the Importation and Customs clearance of Medicines and Medical Equipment in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)
    Published: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Guidance note on the importation of Medicines and Medical Equipment in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)

    document
    Guidance note on the Importation and Customs clearance of Medicines and Medical Equipment in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19)
    Published: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    WHO Interim Guidance: Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and considerations during severe shor...

    document
    Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and considerations during severe shortages
    Published: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Briefing Note on COVID-19 Outbreak Readiness and Response Operations - MHPSS

    document
    IASC Interim Briefing Note on COVID-19 Outbreak Readiness and Response Operations - MHPSS
    Published: 23 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 23 March 2020 (3 months ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19: Emerging Practices. Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion

    document
    This document is a snapshot of emerging practices on livelihoods and economic inclusion to respond to the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Published: 31 May 2020 (28 days ago)
    Uploaded: 8 June 2020 (19 days ago)
  • Download

    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions

    document
    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Livelihoods Short Guidance on COVID-19Response

    document
    UNHCR’sprimary objective in this crisis is to protect refugees who are exposed to COVID-19 and to protect the livelihoods of refugees during the crisis. This document provides points that could be tak...
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Savings Group Risk Mitigation, Support, and Engagement in Relation to COVID-19

    document
    Savings Group Risk Mitigation, Support, and Engagement in Relation to COVID-19
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    Financial Inclusion Short Guidance on COVID-19 Response

    document
    This document is an annex to the Livelihoods Short Guidance on COVID-19 Response and is specifically addressed to UNHCR operations which have established partnerships with financial service providers ...
    Published: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    MERS Guidance in Response to COVID-19

    document
    In this rapidly evolving context, we know it is important to continue providing updates of the latest thinking from MERS collaborators. Below are updates to the March 25 guidance on how the MERS Stand...
    Published: 12 April 2020 (2 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19 and the world of work: Impact and policy responses

    document
    This note offers the ILO’s preliminary assessment concerning the possible impacts of COVID-19 on the world of work and proposes a range of policy options to mitigate these impacts and facilitate stron...
    Published: 25 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 24 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • UNHCR MENA - Mental Health and Psychosocial Response during COVID-19 Outbreak

    document
    This report from UNHCR's MENA bureau provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of UNHCR's persons of concern and UNHCR's activities in this regard to improve the mental healt...
    Published: 14 June 2020 (14 days ago)
    Uploaded: 16 June 2020 (11 days ago)
  • UNHCR’s Emerging Practices on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

    document
    This document presents a brief overview of how UNHCR adapts its activities for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to the changing context of the pandemic.
    Published: 11 June 2020 (17 days ago)
    Uploaded: 15 June 2020 (12 days ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Briefing Note on COVID-19 Outbreak Readiness and Response Operations - MHPSS

    document
    IASC Interim Briefing Note on COVID-19 Outbreak Readiness and Response Operations - MHPSS
    Published: 23 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 23 March 2020 (3 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Briefing Note: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak (Polish)

    document
    This briefing note summarizes key mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) considerations in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The brief was last updated February 2020.
    Published: 1 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Briefing Note: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak (Chinese Traditional)

    document
    This briefing note summarizes key mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) considerations in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The brief was last updated February 2020.
    Published: 1 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Briefing Note: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak (Tamil)

    document
    This briefing note summarizes key mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) considerations in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The brief was last updated February 2020.
    Published: 1 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Briefing Note: Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak (Portuguese)

    document
    This briefing note summarizes key mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) considerations in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The brief was last updated February 2020.
    Published: 1 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 17 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Interim Guidance on Localisation and the COVID-19 Response

    document
    Developed jointly by IFRC and UNICEF in collaboration with IASC Results Group 1 on Operational Response Sub-Group on Localisation
    Published: 28 May 2020 (1 month ago)
    Uploaded: 28 May 2020 (30 days ago)
  • Download

    How COVID-19 is changing the world: a statistical perspective

    document
    Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities, with contribution from UNHCR
    Published: 13 May 2020 (1 month ago)
    Uploaded: 15 May 2020 (1 month ago)
  • Download

    Overview of the Global Information Management, Assessment & Analysis Cell on COVID-19 (GIMAC)

    document
    Multi-stakeholder initiative by several UN organizations and international NGO partners
    Published: 11 May 2020 (1 month ago)
    Uploaded: 26 May 2020 (1 month ago)
  • Download

    Issue-Based Coalition (Europe and Central Asia): Key Messages and Advocacy Points on the COVID-19 outbreak.

    document
    Developed by Issue-based Coalition on Large Movements of People, Displacement and Resilience
    Published: 4 May 2020 (1 month ago)
    Uploaded: 20 May 2020 (1 month ago)
  • UNHCR Briefing Note: Latest Developments in displacement dynamics in countries neighbouring Syria

    document
    This note has been developed in the context of the Brussels IV Conference 2020. It speaks to Panel III on Protection and Supporting Syria’s Displaced Population.
    Published: 22 June 2020 (6 days ago)
    Uploaded: 24 June 2020 (3 days ago)
  • Remote Interviewing: Practical Considerations for States in Europe

    document
    This paper provides practical considerations on remote interviewing for states in Europe during the COVID pandemic.
    Published: 12 June 2020 (16 days ago)
    Uploaded: 24 June 2020 (3 days ago)
  • Download

    Report of the Secretary-General: COVID-19 and People on the Move

    document
    Policy Brief on the Impact of COVID-19 on Refugees, IDPs and Migrants
    Published: 3 June 2020 (25 days ago)
    Uploaded: 3 June 2020 (24 days ago)
  • Risk Communication and Community Engagement: Positive Practices from Europe during COVID-19

    document
    This paper is an initial compilation of the promising practices on risk communication and community engagement that have developed in Europe during the COVID pandemic.
    Published: 1 June 2020 (27 days ago)
    Uploaded: 8 June 2020 (19 days ago)
  • Download

    Risk Communication and Community Engagement in the Americas

    document
    This paper is an initial compilation of the promising practices on risk communication and community engagement that have developed in the Americas during the COVID pandemic.
    Published: 31 May 2020 (28 days ago)
    Uploaded: 16 June 2020 (11 days ago)
  • Download

    Putting People First - UNHCR’s Accountability to Affected People and COVID-19

    document
    People at the Centre of UNHCR’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
    Published: 11 May 2020 (1 month ago)
    Uploaded: 14 May 2020 (1 month ago)
  • Download

    The Impact of COVID-19 on Stateless Populations: Policy Recommendations and Good Practices

    document
    Developed by UNHCR
    Published: 11 May 2020 (1 month ago)
    Uploaded: 20 May 2020 (1 month ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19, Displacement and Climate Change

    document
    UNHCR and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research published this document to highlight the linkages between COVID-19, Displacement and Climate Change.
    Published: 24 June 2020 (4 days ago)
    Uploaded: 24 June 2020 (3 days ago)
  • Download

    IASC: Interim Key Messages: Flexible Funding for Humanitarian Response and COVID-19

    document
    Developed by IASC Results Group 5 on Humanitarian Financing
    Published: 15 March 2020 (3 months ago)
    Uploaded: 8 April 2020 (2 months ago)
  • Financial requirements (2020)
     More Information
    $745,000,000
    Total appeal
    Date of Funding Data 2 June 2020 (26 days ago)
      Additional Information
    A) Global Compact on Refugees
    Pledges and good practices related to health care, water, sanitation and hygiene
    B) Global Focus - COVID-19 situation
    UNHCR's Information Hub with updates for donors and supporters
    C) IASC COVID-19 Outbreak Readiness and Response
    IASC guidance and updates
    D) Protection - CBP Community of Practice (Global)
    Community of Practices for Community-based protection and engagement
    E) Protection - CBP Tools West Africa
    Communications with Communities tools and Practices
    F) Education in COVID-19
    Resources and tools for learning
    G) WASH
    Guidance and resources on WASH activities
    I) CCCM Cluster on COVID-19
    Cluster guidance for field operations
    J) Shelter Cluster on COVID-19
    Cluster guidance for field operations
    K) Global Information Management, Assessment & Analysis Cell on COVID-19 (GIMAC)
    Humanitarian multi-stakeholder initiative by several UN organizations and international NGO partners