Leaders from different institutions are sounding alarms at the threats facing vulnerable people, calling for solidarity and action. The urgency of their calls echoes concerns that even the wealthiest countries are focused inwards and resources going to refugees and other vulnerable groups are seriously underfunded.

Grassroots organizations, faith-inspired organizations, and religious leaders from Central America, Mexico, and the United States put out a five-point plan to protect migrants and refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The joint statement, released on April 15 and led by the Hope Border Institute and Faith in Action, promotes both preventative and protection strategies. Asylum seekers and migrants in detention are to be released; significant new measures to stem the spread of the virus in refugee camps, migrant shelters, and detention centers, need top priority, as well as access to testing and emergency care. The statement calls for guarantees of the right to asylum, investments in public health systems, and food and income support for vulnerable families.

The call to action highlights wide concern about the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on the lives of vulnerable people across the world. Especially vulnerable groups include refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people where the emergency exacerbates already difficult living conditions.

(Based on: March 30, 2020, Refugees International report; April 15, 2020, Hope Border Institute and Faith in Action joint statement; April 17, 2020, Crux article)