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The impact of closing borders around the world

Global Overview

With COVID-19 now present in every country worldwide, the world’s 79.5 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 major 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 $745 million as part of the UN’s revised $10.3bn 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 2020, 39.4 million persons of concern received COVID-19 assistance including access to protection services, shelter, health, and education. This includes over 8.5 million individuals who received cash assistance.
17 Feb 2021
UNHCR and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 03 February 2020, with the overall goal of ensuring refugees and other forcibly displaced can access vaccines on par with nationals. The MoU also looks at expanding coverage and quality of immunization services, promoting equity in access and uptake of vaccines, and strengthening health systems at community and primary care level.
03 Feb 2021
Despite an estimated 1.44 million refugees in urgent need of resettlement globally, less than 23,000 were resettled through UNHCR last year. These are the lowest refugee resettlement numbers UNHCR has witnessed in almost two decades. The drop stems from low quotas put forward by states, as well as the impact of COVID-19, which delayed departures and programmes.
25 Jan 2021
  Global and Regional Updates
  Guidance Documents
  • Download

    Protecting Forcibly Displaced Women and Girls during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This report provides concrete examples of UNHCR gender responsive and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, risk mitigation and response interventions
    Publish date: 1 March 2021 (8 months ago)
    Create date: 6 March 2021 (7 months ago)
  • UNHCR’S Approach to Evaluating the COVID-19 Response for Refugees and other Persons of Concern

    document
    Overview of three COVID-19 related evaluations that UNHCR is leading in 2021
    Publish date: 31 January 2021 (9 months ago)
    Create date: 6 March 2021 (7 months ago)
  • Download

    Covid-19 Refugees’ Return To Schooling Guidelines

    document
    To support the country operations in school re-opening, UNHCR published COVID-19 guidelines on refugees' return to schooling which provide practical suggestions for UNHCR operations and partners on ho...
    Publish date: 31 December 2020 (10 months ago)
    Create date: 17 February 2021 (8 months ago)
  • Download

    UNHCR COVID-19 Supplementary Appeal 2021

    document
    On 18 December, UNHCR released its COVID-19 Supplementary Appeal for 2021, asking for an additional USD 455 million for COVID-19 related activities.
    Publish date: 18 December 2020 (10 months ago)
    Create date: 22 December 2020 (10 months ago)
  • Download

    World Bank - UNHCR MENA Study: COVID-19 Compounding Misfortunes

    document
    Changes in Poverty since the onset of COVID-19 on Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Jordan, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Lebanon
    Publish date: 17 December 2020 (10 months ago)
    Create date: 22 December 2020 (10 months ago)
  • Download

    Aftershock: Abuse, exploitation & human trafficking in the wake of Covid-19

    document
    This Global Protection Update covers 28 out of 35 countries where Protection Clusters are activ
    Publish date: 30 November 2020 (11 months ago)
    Create date: 1 December 2020 (11 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Minimum Standards on Duty of Care in the Context of COVID-19

    document
    The IASC duty of care minimum standards guide IASC members and standing invitees in the implementation of adequate duty of care provisions in the context of COVID-19 for all of their personnel regardl...
    Publish date: 27 November 2020 (11 months ago)
    Create date: 1 December 2020 (11 months ago)
  • Download

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

    document
    Developed by WHO
    Publish date: 17 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 28 April 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 23 March 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 23 March 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    UNHCR Cash Assistance and COVID-19: Main Findings from Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM)

    document
    This document outlines the main findings from UNHCR’s Post-Distribution Monitoring of cash assistance conducted in 13 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Publish date: 5 October 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 7 October 2020 (1 year 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 ...
    Publish date: 17 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 17 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Protecting Forcibly Displaced Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This brief provides a snapshot of child protection interventions by UNHCR and its partners during the pandemic, covering community engagement, case management, alternative care and capacity building.
    Publish date: 7 August 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 7 August 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Covid-19 Refugees’ Return To Schooling Guidelines

    document
    To support the country operations in school re-opening, UNHCR published COVID-19 guidelines on refugees' return to schooling which provide practical suggestions for UNHCR operations and partners on ho...
    Publish date: 31 December 2020 (10 months ago)
    Create date: 17 February 2021 (8 months ago)
  • Coming Together for Refugee Education

    document
    The report highlights the need for immediate and strong support to beat back the catastrophic effects of COVID-19 on refugee education.
    Publish date: 3 September 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 21 September 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Supporting continued access to education during COVID-19: Emerging Promising Practices - Issue 2

    document
    In this edition of “Emerging promising practices” UNHCR highlights the efforts that UNHCR and partners have taken to support refugee learners and students to continue their education and to support fa...
    Publish date: 13 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 13 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion - Emerging practices to address the Covid pandemic

    document
    The publication contains examples of where UNHCR operations are engaging with development actors, including UN Development System and UNCT, to include refugees in multi-agency socio-economic response ...
    Publish date: 30 September 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 8 October 2020 (1 year 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.
    Publish date: 31 May 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 8 June 2020 (1 year 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...
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year 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 ...
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions

    document
    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year 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...
    Publish date: 12 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Policy Brief: The Impact of COVID-19 on Women

    document
    9 April 2020
    Publish date: 9 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 20 May 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

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

    document
    Guidance Note
    Publish date: 30 March 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 11 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

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

    document
    Developed by UNHCR
    Publish date: 26 March 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 8 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    COVID-19 Inter-Agency Guidance for the Management of the Dead in Humanitarian Settings

    document
    This inter-agency guidance was jointly drafted by ICRC, IFRC and WHO colleagues. It is targeted towards humanitarian settings and aims to complement other guidance on the management of the dead with a...
    Publish date: 19 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 28 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    IASC Guidance on Operational Considerations for Multisectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programmes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This guidance was drafted by the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergency Settings to complement the IASC Interim Briefing Note Addressing MHPSS Aspects of C...
    Publish date: 30 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 1 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    IASC Guidance on Basic Psychosocial Skills - A Guide for COVID-19 Responders

    document
    This illustrated guide, also developed by the IASC MHPSS Reference Group, aims at building basic psychosocial skills among all essential workers responding to COVID-19.
    Publish date: 24 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 1 July 2020 (1 year 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...
    Publish date: 14 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 16 June 2020 (1 year 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.
    Publish date: 11 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 15 June 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19

    document
    This Interim Guidance by WHO includes updated scientific evidence that is relevant to the use of masks for preventing transmission of COVID-19, as well as practical considerations.
    Publish date: 5 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 28 June 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 17 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 17 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion - Emerging practices to address the Covid pandemic

    document
    The publication contains examples of where UNHCR operations are engaging with development actors, including UN Development System and UNCT, to include refugees in multi-agency socio-economic response ...
    Publish date: 30 September 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 8 October 2020 (1 year 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.
    Publish date: 31 May 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 8 June 2020 (1 year 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...
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year 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 ...
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions

    document
    Surviving Disasters and Supporting Recovery: A Guidebook for Microfinance Institutions
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year 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...
    Publish date: 12 April 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 24 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    IASC Guidance on Operational Considerations for Multisectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programmes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This guidance was drafted by the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergency Settings to complement the IASC Interim Briefing Note Addressing MHPSS Aspects of C...
    Publish date: 30 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 1 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    IASC Guidance on Basic Psychosocial Skills - A Guide for COVID-19 Responders

    document
    This illustrated guide, also developed by the IASC MHPSS Reference Group, aims at building basic psychosocial skills among all essential workers responding to COVID-19.
    Publish date: 24 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 1 July 2020 (1 year 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...
    Publish date: 14 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 16 June 2020 (1 year 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.
    Publish date: 11 June 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 15 June 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 23 March 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 23 March 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

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

    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.
    Publish date: 1 March 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 17 April 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

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

    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.
    Publish date: 1 March 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 17 April 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 28 May 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 28 May 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

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

    document
    Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities, with contribution from UNHCR
    Publish date: 13 May 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 15 May 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 11 May 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 26 May 2020 (1 year 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
    Publish date: 4 May 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 20 May 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Protecting Forcibly Displaced Women and Girls during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This report provides concrete examples of UNHCR gender responsive and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, risk mitigation and response interventions
    Publish date: 1 March 2021 (8 months ago)
    Create date: 6 March 2021 (7 months ago)
  • Download

    Aftershock: Abuse, exploitation & human trafficking in the wake of Covid-19

    document
    This Global Protection Update covers 28 out of 35 countries where Protection Clusters are activ
    Publish date: 30 November 2020 (11 months ago)
    Create date: 1 December 2020 (11 months ago)
  • Download

    Protecting Forcibly Displaced Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This brief provides a snapshot of child protection interventions by UNHCR and its partners during the pandemic, covering community engagement, case management, alternative care and capacity building.
    Publish date: 7 August 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 7 August 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    The role of the Global Compact on Refugees in the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic

    document
    Guidance Note
    Publish date: 20 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 15 May 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Protecting Forcibly Displaced Women and Girls during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    document
    This document provides examples of UNHCR gender responsive and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, risk mitigation and response interventions.
    Publish date: 16 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 17 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    IASC Key Messages on Applying IASC Guidelines on Disability in the COVID-19 Response

    document
    This document provides an overview of the factors that may put persons with disabilities at heightened risk in the COVID-19 pandemic and response in humanitarian settings.
    Publish date: 7 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 13 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    Global Protection Cluster COVID-19 Situation Report

    document
    The report highlights the shifting narrative of the COVID-19 pandemic as operations are now reporting the rise in needs as a result of COVID-19's impact on economic and social factors.
    Publish date: 2 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 7 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    UNHCR COVID-19 Update - Wash, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools

    document
    This document presents the results of a survey assessing the WASH readiness of schools in UNHCR-supported refugee camps and refugee settlements.
    Publish date: 9 November 2020 (11 months ago)
    Create date: 13 November 2020 (11 months ago)
  • Download

    Emerging Practices: WASH and COVID-19 field practices

    document
    The document details specific, innovative WASH programmes in UNHCR field operations in multiple country operations.
    Publish date: 12 July 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 13 July 2020 (1 year ago)
  • UNHCR’S Approach to Evaluating the COVID-19 Response for Refugees and other Persons of Concern

    document
    Overview of three COVID-19 related evaluations that UNHCR is leading in 2021
    Publish date: 31 January 2021 (9 months ago)
    Create date: 6 March 2021 (7 months ago)
  • Download

    UNHCR COVID-19 Supplementary Appeal 2021

    document
    On 18 December, UNHCR released its COVID-19 Supplementary Appeal for 2021, asking for an additional USD 455 million for COVID-19 related activities.
    Publish date: 18 December 2020 (10 months ago)
    Create date: 22 December 2020 (10 months ago)
  • Download

    World Bank - UNHCR MENA Study: COVID-19 Compounding Misfortunes

    document
    Changes in Poverty since the onset of COVID-19 on Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Jordan, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Lebanon
    Publish date: 17 December 2020 (10 months ago)
    Create date: 22 December 2020 (10 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Minimum Standards on Duty of Care in the Context of COVID-19

    document
    The IASC duty of care minimum standards guide IASC members and standing invitees in the implementation of adequate duty of care provisions in the context of COVID-19 for all of their personnel regardl...
    Publish date: 27 November 2020 (11 months ago)
    Create date: 1 December 2020 (11 months ago)
  • Download

    IASC Key Messages on Climate Change, Humanitarian Action and COVID-19

    document
    These messages address the climate change related concerns in the context of humanitarian action and COVID-19.
    Publish date: 10 November 2020 (11 months ago)
    Create date: 17 November 2020 (11 months ago)
  • Download

    Report on UNHCR’s response to COVID-19

    document
    This report provides an update of UNHCR's response to COVID-19 between March-September 2020,
    Publish date: 5 October 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 5 October 2020 (1 year ago)
  • Download

    The IDP-Initiative - Quarterly Update September 2020

    document
    This is the second Quarterly Update on UNHCR’s Step-Up on Internal Displacement – focused on Solutions.
    Publish date: 24 September 2020 (1 year ago)
    Create date: 26 September 2020 (1 year ago)
  • ...

    Livelihoods, food and futures: COVID-19 and the displaced



    ...

    COVID-19 Temporary Measures and Impact on Protection

    UNHCR has launched the Global Protection Platform which portrays visually the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on aspects of the protection environment for the world’s forcibly displaced.

    Financial requirements (2021)
    $924,000,000
    Total appeal
    Date of Funding Data 7 September 2021 (1 month ago)
      Links
    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