The refugee Agency of the United Nations, the UNHCR, has called on the Federal government to make the protection of refugees in the Corona times, one of the priorities of its presidency. “The Virus knows no boundaries and affects all of us,” said Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR representative for EU Affairs. However, Displaced persons are exposed to an increased risk. “Through political and financial support, the EU can help to tackle a global crisis, and to protect refugees better.”
In the case of ensuring access to a fair and fast asylum procedures and solidarity with the EU member States is necessary, receiving a disproportionate number of asylum requests, said the UNHCR. However, “the rescue of life and protection of people must be at the heart of all efforts”. Positive examples in the EU showed that the public health could be protected and the access to asylum granted, if the Quarantine regulations and health controls would be secured.
85 percent of the world’s refugees according to UNHCR shelter in developing countries, where health systems are overwhelmed. A flexible financing is needed to support the host countries and Displaced persons. Refugees should get access to health care and education, to the socio-economic impact of Covid-19, and give them the opportunity to thrive instead of struggling merely to Survive.
