To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to foreign governments for the inclusion of (1) refugees, (2) migrants, (3) unregistered persons, and (4) persons without legal documentation, in national public health responses.
Answered on
1 June 2020
We recognise that refugees and Internally Displaced People may be at higher risk of infection by COVID-19 and other diseases due to high geographical mobility, overcrowded conditions, lack of safe sanitation and already poor health outcomes, and have focused our advocacy and aid commitments accordingly, working with international partners. The UK has committed up to £764 million aid funding so far to support global efforts to combat COVID-19, which includes £276 million for supporting resilience in vulnerable countries. £145 million of this is focused on UN appeals, and support to particular vulnerable groups: £75 million for the WHO; £20 million for UNICEF and £5 million to Education Cannot Wait to help refugee, migrant and displaced children proving basic suppliers and lessons; £20 million for the UN Refugee Agency providing access to handwashing stations and drinking water for displaced people; £15 million for the World Food Programme; and £10 million to UNFPA to provide lifesaving Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and gender based violence prevention. We have also adapted our bilateral programmes in a number of countries to respond to the particular challenges that COVID-19 presents to vulnerable communities. For example, in Bangladesh, UK aid is helping maintain essential humanitarian services in Rohingya refugee camps.