There has been a noticeable increase in stigma and discrimination against migrants not only in destination countries but also when they come home because of fear of disease transmission. It is critical to reach out to them in national response efforts.

“We are all in this together, it is essential that no one is left behind,” said the IOM official.

Her plea was echoed by Dr. Gupta, who said India has a “staggering” 139 million internal migrants in normal times.

Two weeks ago, the Indian government announced a country-wide lockdown. “More than half a million people, out of desperation because of lack of jobs and food, walked hundreds of kilometers to reach their homes. By the Government’s own estimate, at least a third of them could be infected with the novel coronavirus,” said Dr. Gupta.

Despite aid efforts of government and NGOs the broken nature of the system in respect to migrant workers was exposed. Migrants who comprise most of the urban poor in India could not practice social distancing or the required hygiene measures in cramped living conditions.

Research is underway on “possible bottom-up approaches to addressing social distancing and hygiene measures in such contexts,” he said.

Achala Navaratne, American Red Cross/IFRC representative in Bangladesh, said that the Government, Bangladesh Red Crescent and NGOs were “basically preparing on steroids” for the possible arrival of COVID-19 in the 34 Rohingya refugees camps in Cox’s Bazaar sheltering some 900,000 refugees in densely crowded conditions.

Contingency planning with Rohingya cyclone preparedness volunteers for the April-May cyclone season was being adapted to the new circumstances but there were shortages of personal protection equipment for the volunteers. The camps have been described as a potential “tinder box” if the coronavirus takes off, especially for the 31,500 refugees aged 60 or older.

Afghanistan is facing a surge of returnees from Iran and Afghanistan adding to a population of over two million internally displaced by conflict and disasters, especially drought, according to Shahrzad Amoli, Advocacy Specialist, Danish Refugee Council.

To date there were 484 cases of COVID-19 including 257 cases in Herat bordering Iran, and 14 deaths. The IDPs face many challenges getting assistance including a frail health infrastructure and little access to work and basic services.

Ms. Amoli said that in addition, they were at times exposed to hostility from host communities who saw the displaced as a burden.

Hazards

Epidemic & Pandemic

Themes

Fragility and conflict Human Mobility Social Impacts & Social Resilience

Country & Region

Asia