On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, and a pandemic on 11 March. The coronavirus situation is dynamic and evolving with, as of 11 May 2020, over 4 million cases reported worldwide in more than 215 countries, areas or territories.
In light of the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having in refugee and IDP situations worldwide and the multiple crises that people already scarred by having been forced to flee are facing in terms of loss of lives, livelihoods and protection, UNHCR had to update its requirements. UNHCR’s initial appeal focused on preparedness and emergency response and amounted to $255 million. Following substantial partner consultations in line with the updating of the Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP), UNHCR is now appealing for an additional $490 million bringing its revised requirements to $745 million. This will allow UNHCR to protect the most vulnerable from direct and indirect impacts of the virus in countries at high-risk due to its rapid spread, and to scale up life-saving protection and assistance in priority countries.
...
Read the entire appeal here