RSUSCI-2022 & RSUSOC-2022
IN22-031 Experiences of Displaced Populations during COVID 19
Presenter: Elma Kaiser
School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Faculty of Masters in Social Work Program, Faculty of Masters in Social Work Program, Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ USA
Abstract
Displaced populations are those who are uprooted from their places of origin. Immigrants, refugees, undocumented migrants, and internally displaced fall under this category. Among them, refugees are one of the most vulnerable groups. Refugees are defined as people outside their country of origin for a variety of reasons, including persecution (based on race, ethnicity, religion, or political view), conflict, violence, or other circumstances that hinder law and order in the country and pose a threat to the lives and livelihood of these people. For such a person or group of people, international protection is required. Nearly 90% of the world’s refugees live in developing countries. Low and middle-income countries host 86% of the 65.3 million displaced population, while the USA and other rich countries host only 14%. Some developing countries’ resources are frequently stretched thin and they cannot provide basic services to their citizens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle to provide certain fundamental services has become very difficult and refugees have often not received such. Taking shelter in these countries, the refugees are often neglected in receiving health care services, which includes receiving vaccines for the COVID-19. Furthermore, the negative impact of the pandemic has hit the refugees even harder than the rest of the population anywhere in the world. The pandemic has had a highly negative impact on the living and working conditions of refugees. Additionally, due to the global economic recession humanitarian funding for refugee camps has dropped, which has caused major food shortages. Job opportunities have also shrunk in many places for refugees. To combat the global pandemic, refugees need to be included in the planning, especially those who are living in developing nations. How the COVID-19 has impacted the lives of displaced populations will be discussed in this presentation. Their experiences will be highlighted.