Developments at Dadhaleh Institute

‘Crisis in a Crisis’ in Humanitarian Response Locations

Yemen, the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, is hit by once-in-a generation floods that have leave over 5 [ ... ]

The growing pandemic funding gap

The gap between donor commitments and the funding needed to respond to the pandemic continues to grow. As the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tripled its appeal last week to US$6.7 billion, they admit to only receiving US$1 billion towards its initial request for US$2 billion. That includes a mere $65 million contribution from the U.S. that a senator described as “unconscionable,” while the Washington Post reports the US$3 trillion COVID-19 bill introduced by Democrats this past week contains no funding for international assistance. Germany and France likewise agreed to support a 500 billion Euro aid package to support E.U. countries with recovery from the pandemic.

NGOs such as the International Rescue Committee argue that much of the aid is stuck within multilateral channels, as humanitarian funding to front-line NGOs accounts for only 2% of commitments under the UN Global Humanitarian Response Plan.

The global economy is shrinking, and 130 million people may be pushed into extreme poverty

Global economic output is expected to drop by 3.5% in 2020, and by US$8.5 trillion over the next two years as a result of the pandemic. The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects report warns that an additional 34 million people could fall below the extreme poverty line by the end of this year. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs did “not anticipate (the global economy) would dive as quickly as it did” amidst the sharpest economic contraction since the Great Depression. The report projects that by 2030, an estimated 130 million will be pushed into extreme poverty. Africa is expected to absorb 56% of the rise in poverty, in part due to limited economic and social protection measures as well as debt burdens.

In the World Economic Forum’s weforum.org, the Dean of the Wharton Business School projects that COVID-19 would also reverse trends in globalization and urbanization. The resulting compression of the global economy, he predicts, will be further impacted by reduction in international cooperation and increased likelihood of international conflict.

250 million Africans could be infected, with up to 190,000 dead by years’ end

Modelling by the WHO predicts that nearly a quarter of a billion people across 47 African countries will be infected with the Coronavirus, with as many as 190,000 projected mortalities by year’s end, according to a study to be published in BMJ Global Health. While African countries may experience fewer severe cases and deaths per capita due to younger populations and lower obesity rates, health system capacity gaps and disruptions in maternal and child health could result in additional deaths.=

ODI calls for increased solidarity to support developing countries

The Overseas Development Institute estimates that the economic impacts of the pandemic to sub-Saharan Africa remain uncertain but will likely exceed $100 billion. While many countries have imposed stringent measures to contain the spread of the virus, there are immediate and long-term concerns about the lag in economic and social protection measures as governments face major liquidity and fiscal constraints. Since much of the global economic dislocation stems from decisions to protect citizens in wealthier countries, the ODI calls for increased international solidarity to support developing countries. That can include special drawing rights to address capital outflows, moratoria on debt service repayments, development finance to provide liquidity to protect employment, as well as non-concessional lending and economic resource packages as aid.

Rising Inequity Gap

The IMF warns that COVID-19 could widen the inequality gap between rich and poor across and within countries, urging policymakers to put in place risk-sharing and social assistance mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable from economic impacts. Using past pandemics as a guide, the analysis shows net increases in Gini coefficient (a measure of inequity within a country) after five years as well as long-term impacts due to job loss and other shocks to income (e.g. lower remittances). To minimize long-term damage (or “scarring”) to the livelihoods of vulnerable communities – and improve resilience to future shocks (including the effects of climate change), the IMF urges countries to consider a range of measures including:

Access to sick leave, unemployment benefits, and health benefits;
A “New Deal,” particularly in countries where the employment sector is largely informal and where social protection systems are limited; and
Expanding social assistance systems, introducing new transfers, boosting public work programs, and progressive tax measures.

“Nothing lays bare inequality and discrimination like a disaster”

In a forceful address on the human rights dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction highlighted the disproportionate impact on marginalized and vulnerable populations, amplifying social inequities, forced displacement as well as gender- based violence. The central message was that the international community “must do more.” This includes treating persons at risk as people with human rights and not just as beneficiaries of humanitarian actions, who are consulted in decision-making relevant to their lives, and to foster greater resilience by focusing on the drivers of disaster risk, including poverty, lack of international solidarity and pandemic preparedness, and increasing frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events.

‘Donor states can and must do more’

According to a Devex survey of development professionals, two thirds say donors are not doing enough to respond to the Coronavirus. The UN estimates that US$500 billion will be needed to address the pandemic in developing countries, as Oxfam urged 30 donors of the OECD Development Assistance Committee to contribute $300 billion. In addition to more funding, development experts point to three other steps donors should take:

Simplified funding mechanisms for a faster response;
Clarity and transparency on decisions; and
Looking beyond the immediate needs, including longer-term impacts of COVID-19 and what preparation is needed now to respond to those.

“Impartial, independent, and comprehensive evaluation”

For the first time in the WHO’s history, its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) was entirely virtual. With a focus almost entirely on the Coronavirus pandemic, the condensed two-day meeting was preceded by three weeks of intense negotiations.

The most significant outcome this year was the adoption of a COVID-19 resolution that was proposed by the European Union and supported by 120 countries that contained three major elements (A73/CONF/1), including an “impartial, independent, and comprehensive evaluation (of the) international health response to COVID-19.” In the closing remarks, the WHO Director General affirmed that the review would take place “as soon as possible.”

Rising geopolitical tensions shape emergent Global Health institutions and practices

The WHA opened with a failed motion to grant Taiwan Observer status, underscoring growing tensions in part arising from accusations by the U.S. (and shared by other Western and Pacific Asian countries) that China was not transparent in the early days of the pandemic.

In a letter, the U.S. President threatened to permanently eliminate the funding that was temporarily withdrawn from the WHO, suggesting the U.S. would pursue bilateral aid channels including US$500 million to 40 ‘at risk’ countries. The President of China addressed the Assembly directly pledging US$2 billion over the next two years to support COVID-19 response efforts in developing countries, and an ambition to establish China as a “global humanitarian response capital and hub.” Focusing on African countries in particular, President Xi referenced debt suspension initiatives, building “green corridors” to accelerate delivery of essential goods as well as partnering with 30 major hospitals in Africa to build a China Centres for Disease Control headquarters on the continent.

‘No monopolies on access’ to COVID treatments and vaccines in a pandemic

The negotiations on access to treatments and future vaccines were far more divisive. Led by Costa Rica, developing countries and civil society organizations expressed particular concern about ensuring equitable access, including to COVID-related knowledge, lessons learned, experience, and best practices. The WHO Secretariat will have until May 29 to develop a framework for a voluntary COIVD-19 Intellectual Property Pool for patents and clinical trial data, while the EU-led resolution also references WTO TRIPS flexibilities allowing countries to override patents to ensure access.

COVID is a ‘wake-up call to our global fragility’

In his address to the World Health Assembly, the UN Secretary General called for greater unity and solidarity along three dimensions: a coordinated and comprehensive health response guided by the WHO and focusing on developing countries; policies to address the social and economic dimensions of the COVID crisis; and a response and recovery plan based on equity, inclusion and sustainability centred on human rights. Given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, some civil society organizations such as South Centre expressed disappointment in the lack of ambition of the COVID-19 resolution. Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) likewise referred to the “typical watered down, lawyered ambiguity” of the final draft that fails to limit legal monopolies that could affect access (they noted that other proposals like Canada’s would have called for “universal and non-exclusive and open-licensing” that referenced data sharing and more expansive mandate beyond existing mechanisms).

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A new report by the World Bank projects the sharpest historic decline in global remittances could push 40-60 million people into extreme poverty
- The UNHCR warns of the impact of reduced remittances on migrants and vulnerable communities, issuing a new guidance on Cash and Voucher Assistance programs
A UNDP report warns of the alarming increase of gender-based violence due to COVID-19
- COVID-19 Pandemic Could Have Long-Term Consequences On Women’s Health Care Access Globally, Health Workers (UNFPA)
- Care and Connection in Crisis: Feminist Strategy to Confront COVID-19 (Madre)
- Commentary: We need a feminist response to the pandemic (Devex)
Like Zambia, more African countries seek emergency funding from the IMF
A ban on large funerals in South Africa has forced people to give up many traditions, but they have also rediscovered old ones, including “secret burials” (BBC)
By prioritizing Early detection, contact tracing and 28 day quarantines, Kerala’a COVID-19 fatality rate (0.53%) is the lowest in India, and has limited the spread of the virus without inflicting any of the human suffering seen in other parts of the country (Commentary: The Kerala Model (Shashi Tharoor)
In a new commentary, Tony Blair and Agnes Kalibata highlight four global actions to increase food security during the pandemic. These including: (1) Increasing funding for food-relief and social-protection measures; (2) Investing in local agricultural production; (3) Supporting regional and local logistics hubs to limit disruptions to food and agricultural produce supply chains; and (4) Incentivizing funding of agro-processing and Agtech companies.
- DIGHR Fellow Rhonda Ferguson also argues that displacement of local food systems threaten 265 million people with famine, and that transformation in trade is urgently needed (Conversation)
- HIV and Food Insecurity: A Syndemic Amid COVID-19 (AIDS and Behaviour)
- Small-scale farmers can help build resilient food systems in post-COVID world (IFAD)

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UNOCHA updated the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, appealing for US$6.7 billion for immediate support for pandemic response in fragile countries

COVID-19 has “unleashed a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering” around the world, according to the UN Secretary-General (Guardian)

Institute of Migration issue Communication Guidance in response to the rise of anti-migrant sentiment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

Local response in health emergencies: key considerations for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in informal urban settlements (Environment and Urbanization)

A new report by Rescue International shows how restrictions on mobility, lack of information, increased isolation and fear have led to a decrease in women being able to report incidents of domestic violence.

COVID-19 on the African continent (The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

IOM Chief of Mission in the DRC reports how the experiences and capacity developed to fighting Ebola have informed the COVID-19 response

Schools remain locked for more than 127 million children in S.E. Africa (UNICEF)

There are reports that some African governments are promoting an unproven herbal remedy called ‘Madagascar Tonic’ despite warnings from health officials (Globe & Mail)

Health system quality in the time of COVID-19 (The Lancet Global Health)

Food insecurity in West Africa could leave 43 million at risk as coronavirus hits (UN News)

UNOCHA issues global attention to food insecurity in humanitarian response locations

A new report by the UNDP reveals major disparities among countries in their ability to respond and recover from the pandemic (COVID-19 and Human Development: Exploring Global Preparedness and Vulnerability)

Collateral damage of lockdown in India (BMJ)

Local response in health emergencies: key considerations for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in informal urban settlements (Environment and Urbanization)

Slums are the next front line in the fight against the coronavirus (Devex)

Mental health and COVID-19: change the conversation (The Lancet)

UNOCHA releases Rapid Learning Review that outlines 14 actions, insights and concepts for humanitarian actors in their COVID-19 responses (ALNAP)

The threat of COVID-19 in Syrian war refugee camps (Travel Medicine & Infectious Disease)

Emerging challenges of securing mental well-being in conflict settings (Asian Journal of Psychiatry)

UNOCHA issues global attention to food insecurity in humanitarian response locations

Human rights approach to Emergency Response? Advocacy of Canada’s Human Rights Commissions During the COVID-19 Crisis (Canadian Journal of Political Science)

Institute of Migration issue Communication Guidance in response to the rise of anti-migrant sentiment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

Prisons have become ‘petri dishes,’ as inmates are unable to guard against virus (KHN)

Coronavirus abuse fears for women in South Sudan (New Humanitarian)

UN Women issues a Guidance Document on promoting gender-responsive participation in humanitarian settings (UN Women)

In Haiti, women’s organizations are at the heart of the response to COVID-19 (CECI)

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Disruptions in anti-malaria programs could lead to surging incidence of malaria in endemic regions, according to the WHO. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, malaria deaths could jump to 769,000. In Nigeria’s Kano state, where local transmission of COVID-19 has been reported, officials have attributed a sharp increase in deaths due to malaria, diabetes and meningitis. The Democratic Republic of Congo has meanwhile requested international support as it faces three simultaneous medical emergencies with Ebola, measles, and COVID-19.

Médecins Sans Frontières described the “devil’s choice” that countries and aid organizations are confronted with in attempting to balance COVID-19 preparation and response, while maintaining vaccination programs. More than 117 million children are at risk of missing the measles vaccine as 21 countries so far have reported vaccine shortages due to travel and trade restrictions. The WHO has meanwhile requested additional air capacity due to supply disruptions, as the IMF and WTO held a joint briefing urging countries to lift trade restrictions on medical and food supplies.

A new study by the UN Fund for Population Activities warns that six months of lockdown could take a major toll on the rights of women and girls, and contribute to 31 million cases of gender-based violence and 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Many countries have already reported significant spikes in domestic violence, including in Latin America where community organizations have described it as “another pandemic.” The UNAIDS also expressed ‘extreme concern’ about the targeting and abuse of LGBTI persons, including reports that government and religious leaders are spreading misinformation about COVID-19 that has incited violence and discrimination.

According to a paper in the Lancet, prisons remain a hotspot but “in no way equipped” to deal with COVID-19. Among the estimated 11 million global prison population, Human Rights Watch raised particular concerns about the conditions in Latin America where prisons remain overcrowded, and lack adequate sanitation and access to health services. Densely populated peri-urban environments such as slums and informal settlements are also acutely vulnerable, including Brazil’s favelas – home to an estimated 13 million people – where the absence of government support and lack of control measures have raised concerns of possible uncontrolled outbreaks. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the lack of government support to indigenous communities in Brazil, contending with widespread infections and its economic impacts.

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Yemen, the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, is hit by once-in-a generation floods that have leave over 5 million children facing the threat of cholera and acute diarrhea. More than 110,000 cases of suspected cholera have been recorded across 90% of regions in Yemen since January. More than a million displaced Yemenis and refugees are currently in need of urgent critical aid, as another report by the Lebanon Protection Consortium examines the impact of regional lockdowns on Syrian refugees in Informal Tented Settlements residents in Lebanon.

The UNHCR warns that a looming humanitarian crisis is unfolding in South Sudan. Years of conflict, recent natural disasters like floods and locust swarm, as well as the looming threat from COVID-19 leave 1.7 million displaced people in crowded sites with poor sanitary conditions and limited or no access to health facilities are struggling to meet basic needs. Aid organizations have described the “impossible” challenge of COVID-19 response in humanitarian response locations. In refugee camps such as Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh, there are particular difficulties in enforcing social distancing and hand washing practices, as UNICEF attempts to scale up delivery of health and hygiene supplies to Latin American and Caribbean countries.

A COVID-19 Humanitarian Plan for Afghanistan is seeking US$108 million to reach a third of the country, as more than 7 million children are expected to face food shortages due to the current pandemic. This is in addition to the $733 million that the UN and humanitarian partners are seeking as part of the Humanitarian Response Plan for Afghanistan to provide water, sanitation and hygiene kits and tailored hygiene promotion activities. A report by the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction yesterday raised alarm that COVID-19 could alsoderail peace talks, as the country is likely to confront a ‘health disaster‘ through the end of the year.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 700 million people (10% of the world’s population) across 30-40 countries remain acutely vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19. An estimated US$90 billion is needed to provide income support, protect against starvation, and support a systematic health response for the world’s most vulnerable people. This represents about 1% of the approximately US$8 trillion stimulus packages that G20 countries have put in place to safeguard their own economies.

In partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Geneva Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action, OCHA yesterday released a Rapid Learning Review that outlines 14 actions, insights and ideas for humanitarian actors to consider in their COVID-19 responses synthesizing the best available knowledge and guidance. A coalition of academic institutions also released a set of 14 Principles in Protecting Migrants, Refugees and other Displaced Populations signed by over 800 international experts, as the WHO this week issued an Interim Guidance on Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 for refugees and migrants in non-camp settings.

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Boko Haram Islamic extremists in Nigeria portrayed social distancing measures that have closed mosques as an assault on the faith. Police violence in Kenya, aimed at enforcing the dawn-to dusk lockdown, has led to 12 deaths thus far, greater than the 9 officially recorded deaths due to COVID-19.

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We do not have accurate figures on the scale of the outbreak for the nearly 168 million people that according to UNOCHA require humanitarian assistance and protection. In the 30 countries where humanitarian responses are currently underway, there are over 100,000 confirmed cases, including over 2,600 deaths. These figures are believed to be significantly higher due to critical shortages in testing and clinical public health capacity. It also excludes countries like Iran where UN humanitarian agencies do not operate, and where reported cases approach 80,000, including almost 5,000 COVID-related deaths.

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The G-20 agreed to freeze poor nations’ debt obligations on 15 April, shortly after nearly 20 European and African leaders made a joint appeal in the Financial Times for a massive international effort to boost Africa’s coronavirus response, saying that “only a global victory that fully includes Africa can bring this pandemic to an end.” France’s President Macron called this “a moral, human duty” and pushed further for debt rescheduling and, in some cases, debt cancellation, saying, “No region can win the battle against COVID-19 alone … if it is not beaten in Africa, it will return to haunt us all.”

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UNICEF has warned that 117 million children could be at risk for measles as countries around the world are suspending national immunization programs in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. So far, 24 low- and middle-income countries (including 15 in Africa) have paused or postponed national immunization programs, as the head of GAVI urged advanced economies to maintain their funding commitments in the upcoming replenishment cycle.

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The number of confirmed cases and reported deaths have consistently increased by 10-20% per day over the past week, surpassing 7,300 and 250, respectively, across 23 locations with humanitarian responses. This does not include countries like Iran where UN humanitarian agencies do not operate, and where the number of reported cases is 71,686, including 4,474 COVID-related deaths.

The COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan by OCHA will be implemented by UN agencies, with international NGOs and consortiums playing a direct role in the response, but remains about 20% funded as of 8 April.

The FAO published a framework for Addressing the Impacts of COVID-19 in Food Crises, including an appeal for US$110 million to maintain the provision of critical assistance where there are already high levels of need. The WFP estimates that 100-120 million people across 80 countries will require urgent support and food supplies.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued renewed guidance on protection of human rights, calling for urgent and coordinated action by countries to prevent “wider inequalities and extensive suffering.” This is in light of reports by the IOM of increased restrictions at points of entry, limiting mobility and delivery of essential goods. Humanitarian organizations, including the ICRC and MSF have urged countries to protect vulnerable populations, including IDPs and asylum seekers.

The combination of economic and social stresses, along with restrictive control measures, have led to a dramatic increase in the numbers of women and girls facing domestic abuse, as the UN Secretary General called for urgent measures to address the “horrifying global surge in domestic violence.”

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The UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a $2 billion appeal for a Coordinated Global Humanitarian Response Plan to support rapid mobilization of essential medical equipment, public information campaigns, water and sanitation stations, and airbridges and logistics hubs to assist with the movement of supplies and humanitarian workers.

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The growing pandemic funding gap

The global economy is shrinking, and 130 million people may be pushed into extreme poverty

250 million Africans could be infected, with up to 190,000 dead by years’ end

ODI calls for increased solidarity to support developing countries

Rising Inequity Gap

Access to sick leave, unemployment benefits, and health benefits;
A “New Deal,” particularly in countries where the employment sector is largely informal and where social protection systems are limited; and
Expanding social assistance systems, introducing new transfers, boosting public work programs, and progressive tax measures.

“Nothing lays bare inequality and discrimination like a disaster”

‘Donor states can and must do more’

Simplified funding mechanisms for a faster response;
Clarity and transparency on decisions; and
Looking beyond the immediate needs, including longer-term impacts of COVID-19 and what preparation is needed now to respond to those.

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