15 June 2021 –CAIRO. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has today launched its Regional COVID-19 Strategic Response and Recovery Plan (SRRP) for 2021. Building on its achievements in 2020, IOM’s plan - with USD 142 million funding requirements targeting 16 countries in the region - encompasses life-saving assistance and response to humanitarian needs, initiatives to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on migrants and societies, as well as support to sustainably recover and build resilience to engender longer-term sustainable development planning.

Countries in the region continue to struggle with resurgent COVID-19 caseloads, as second and third waves of the virus produce significant social and human costs, and negatively impact economic output. Migrants and displaced populations have been severely hit during the pandemic and continue to be subjected to its deep and evolving consequences. This includes stigma and xenophobia, physical and mental abuse, exploitation and wage theft, and lack of access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, care and vaccination. Many also fall outside of national social protection systems.

“Looking back at 2020, there is no doubt that COVID-19 has presented one of the greatest challenges to humanity in modern history,” said Carmela Godeau, IOM Regional Director for MENA region. “Across the region, the pandemic continues to generate unprecedented impacts on the health and socioeconomic outcomes of millions. It has also substantially complicated the region’s mobility landscape, which will likely generate long-term consequences for decades to come.”

More than six million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed as of 6 June 2021 in the region, out of which more than 98,600 have proven fatal. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar are among the top 20 countries globally that have administered the most COVID-19 vaccine doses per 100 residents. However, the high case fatality ratio in the region, including in countries affected by crises such as Yemen, Sudan and Syria Arab Republic is of great concern, especially as the region hosts some of the lowest vaccine acceptance rates globally.

Since last year, IOM has been advocating for inclusion of migrants, regardless of their legal status, in the National Deployment and Vaccination Plans (NDVPs) throughout the region, in partnership with the World Health Organization and the Regional COVAX Working Group. As a result, nine out of the 17 countries in the region have included migrants in irregular situations in NDVPs, a significant milestone. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, IOM and its partners have delivered critical assistance to vulnerable populations, supporting more than USD 70 million worth of programming under its 2020 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. During 2020, more than 800,000 individuals were reached with critical water, hygiene and sanitation supplies and services. More than 63,300 people benefited from livelihood support. IOM also assisted over 7,160 migrants who were residing in the region to return to their countries of origin, including more than 600 unaccompanied and separated migrant children, victims of trafficking and people in need of urgent medical care.

“COVID-19 has shown that no one is safe until we are all safe, including migrants and displaced populations. IOM’s Strategic Response and Recovery Plan for 2021 provides an opportunity to support sustainable and inclusive recovery from the pandemic that leverages the value of human mobility and the critical contributions migrants and displaced populations continue to make to societies in the region,” said Carmela Godeau.

ENDS

For further information, please contact mmabunajela@iom.int