COVID-19 has left very few places and people untouched. Furthermore, we know that it has affected most of those who were already vulnerable even before the pandemic broke out. One of the most vulnerable groups are migrants, especially those in irregular situations, victims of human trafficking, those internally displaced in their countries, refugees, and asylum seekers, not to mention our own overseas migrant workers. Migrants are those who move from one place to another for employment and better living conditions.
According to the family of nations, migrants face a threefold crisis: a health crisis, since they are constantly at risk of exposure to the virus but don’t have the necessary tools to protect themselves; a socio-economic crisis, particularly for those whose livelihoods are unsecured or those who work in the informal (or underground) economy; and, a protection crisis, since borders are heavily controlled and movement restricted, hence, they find themselves in unsafe situations. Human rights violations are on the rise and many of its victims are migrants.
