Underlining that asylum seekers are facing with a serious problem due to coronavirus pandemic, Sağlam said: “Coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 70,000 people worldwide, has also been affecting countries with advanced health systems. It has not yet been possible to contain the spread of the virus. The impact of the rapidly spreading pandemic on refugee campsites, who are deprived of Hygiene and health care, would be far more devastating. In a statement, UNICEF said the spread of the epidemic in refugee camps, reception and administrative detention centers would have serious consequences, adding that containment measures, like border closures and movement restrictions, should not hinder aid agencies’ efforts to provide humanitarian aid.

"The lives of millions of asylum seekers are at risk"

“Containment measures such as protection of social distance against disease and increasing hygiene are not possible to be implemented in overcrowded camps and reception centers where access to water is limited. Aid activities have also been curtailed as many countries have closed borders to prevent the spread of the disease, leaving thousands facing tough living conditions. The lives of millions of asylum seekers are at risk in campsites where food and health services are inadequate,” he added.

"All necessary steps must be taken to improve the living conditions of refugees"

Calling on international organization to protect the lives of asylum seekers, Sağlam said: “A global fight against the coronavirus pandemic should be launched and necessary steps must be taken to improve the living conditions of asylum seekers. As a priority, safe shelters should be established in campsites. Adequate food and hygiene supplies should be provided and the camp's residents should benefit from health and counselling services. If the pandemic spreads to campsites, its global impact will continue to increase and it will not be possible to prevent casualties. (ILKHA)