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How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected efforts to address statelessness among refugees?

Candace Longhurst

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely affected efforts to address statelessness among refugees in a number of ways. Firstly, the pandemic shutdowns and travel restrictions have made it much more difficult for refugees to complete the necessary paperwork to become recognized as citizens in their new countries. This has led to a backlog of applications and has slowed down the processing of citizenship status.

Additionally, due to social distancing requirements and lockdowns, many of the essential services that refugees rely on to get the documentation they need to become legal citizens have been curtailed. For example, many government offices, courts, and other institutions that refugees need to visit to finalize their citizenship status have been closed or limited in operation. This has made the process much more challenging and frustrating for refugees who are trying to establish permanent roots in their new countries.

Another challenge that the pandemic has created for refugees is the economic downturn and the resulting loss of jobs and income. As the global economy has slowed down, many refugees who were already struggling to find work and support themselves and their families have been hit even harder. This has made it even more difficult to afford the costs associated with applying for citizenship and getting the necessary documentation.

Finally, the pandemic has also created a situation where many refugees are living in cramped and overcrowded conditions, which makes social distancing difficult or impossible. This has led to a higher risk of contracting the virus and has made it much more challenging to provide essential services to refugees who need them.

Despite these challenges, there have also been some positive developments in the efforts to address statelessness among refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, there has been more attention paid to the issue by governments, international organizations, and civil society groups. Many of these groups have been working together to find innovative and sustainable solutions to help refugees get the documentation they need to become recognized as citizens.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for refugees who are trying to establish legal citizenship and permanent roots in their new countries. However, through collaboration and innovation, there is still hope that progress can be made in addressing statelessness among refugees during these difficult times.