UNHCR has embarked in new cash-based interventions in 40 countries and scaled up its existing cash assistance in 25 operations. Cash assistance helps to bridge the gap between the initial socio-economic impact of the pandemic and the time it takes to install national and international safety nets.

Since the end of April, UNHCR has delivered 1.8 million masks, 800,000 gloves, as well as personal protective equipment kits, hand sanitizers, gowns, goggles and thermometers to 12 UNHCR operations. Additional equipment was purchased locally.

UNHCR operations worldwide report that refugees and other populations of concern are finding it harder to make ends meet. In Iraq, 89 per cent of the 1,500 respondents to a monitoring survey reported loss of employment or livelihoods due to COVID-19 crisis; similarly, in South Africa, 95 per cent of calls requesting UNHCR support are from families who were previously self-sufficient.

With Latin America emerging as a new epicenter, Venezuelan refugees and migrants are in need of additional support. On 26 May, the International Donors Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants raised some USD 2.79 billion for host states and organisations helping the Venezuelans.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh has more than doubled over the past two weeks to over 35,000. There are now 25 confirmed cases among refugees in Kutupalong camp. To respond, UNHCR opened two isolation and treatment facilities last week with a total of 200 beds. The total capacity provided by humanitarian actors will reach 1,100 beds by mid-June.

The number of reported COVID-19 cases has risen to over 5.4 million worldwide, with over 340,000 deaths. The spread of COVID-19 is increasing rapidly in Africa, with the majority of countries experiencing community transmission.

The Secretary-General issued his report on 'Protection of civilians in armed conflict', which underlines the need for continued respect of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law by all parties and actors to ensure effective protection for conflict-affected populations and an effective response to the pandemic.

UNHCR and WHO signed a new agreement to strengthen and advance public health services for the millions of forcibly displaced people around the world.

UNHCR is warning that many displaced indigenous communities in Latin America are now dangerously exposed and at risk of COVID-19.

Echoing the UN-wide call for action on 13 May, UNHCR continues to appeal for urgent support to ensure the availability and continuation of mental health and psychosocial services for refugees and those displaced. These services must be considered “essential” services and form part of national responses to COVID-19. [Source: UNHCR Global COVID-19 Situation Report]