Live blog: Refugees in the COVID-19 crisis
Live blog: Refugees in the COVID-19 crisis
Displaced people and host communities all over the African continent are at heightened risk as the coronavirus pandemic spreads. Here are some of the ways they – along with UNHCR staff and supporters – are taking action to stay smart, stay safe and stay kind.
Check here throughout the day for regular updates:
In case you missed it...
On International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, refugee athletes and Olympians shared a strong message of hope with the world. Their message is simple: sports can change lives, especially in these challenging times. Many athletes, including refugees, continue to work hard towards their goals. They inspire us to do the same, to keep moving, even as we stay safe.
Dadaab, Kenya
Schools may be closed as result of the pandemic but in Dadaab camp, Teacher Amina's English lessons are going on - via radio.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
We are doing everything possible to safeguard displaced people in the DRC. In the east, vulnerable families are receiving cash via mobile money.
Meanwhile, together with the Goverrnment, UNHCR is creating awarneness, distributing soap and intstalling handwashing stations for refugees and the internally displaced across the country.
Diffa, Niger
Knowledge is power. Our team in Niger's Diffa region is conducting mass communication campaigns and handwashing demonstrations for all.
Dolow, Somalia
Our colleagues in Somalia have ramped up support for recently displaced people by including essential personal hygiene supplies in the distribution.
El Geneina, Darfur, Sudan
A handwashing song takes shape in this compound in El Geneina. Everyone is doing their part to stay aware and stay safe.
Juba, South Sudan
Soap and informational materials have been distributed in Mahad and Don Bosco sites for the internally displaced. Handwashing points have also been set up in the sites and in refugee camps.
Kakuma camp, Kenya
This refugee youth advocate is shining a light on a refugee designer who's doing what he does best to help with the coronavirus response. He is knitting these beautiful masks and giving them out for free!
And Burundian entrepreneur Innocent, who makes soap in the camp, has increased production and lowwered prices to meet the demand for handwash soap.
LuQuLuQu Tribe
Our high-profile supporters from the LuquLuqu Tribe can be described in many words: cool, fun, influential, caring. They took some time to remind us that we are all in this together and made this fun video to show us how to #DoItLuQuLuQu and stay safe during this social distancing period.
Nampula, Mozambique
Our response in Maratane camp includes distribution of soap and creating awareness on how everyone can stay safe.
Nduta refugee camp, Tanzania
We are strengthening our communication with refugees in Tanzania to ensure they have vital information and sufficient soap to stay safe.
Pretoria, South Africa
Over 600 vulnerable South Africans and refugees have received hygiene materials, thanks to faith-based organisations in Pretoria.
Somalia
Over 7,000 people will receive soap and hygiene products, in various locations in Somalia, in. the coming days.
