Reaction to record number of refugees and forcibly displaced people

“It’s deeply concerning that the number of forcibly displaced people has increased for the eighth year in a row to yet another record level. On top of the violence, persecution and hardship they may have fled, many are now also facing the threat of the coronavirus in overcrowded camps without enough clean water or health facilities. 

“With the vast majority of the world’s refugees in developing countries, often struggling themselves with hunger and weak infrastructure, it’s time the international community stepped up to fully fund the UN’s coronavirus response plan.

“Many people are also stranded at shut borders or denied asylum because of the pandemic. It’s more important than ever that the Government creates safe and legal routes for people to come to the UK, including fairer rules on family reunion so refugees can live together with their loved ones.”

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