The reality of the coronavirus pandemic is quickly setting in around the world. Nations are grappling with the loss of life, jobs, and hope, stolen from them by a seemingly invisible enemy. Many countries in Europe have shuttered completely. Spain, Italy, and others have instituted severe restrictions on movement and services that have left everyday citizens reeling.
But what if you aren't a citizen at all? Sign to urge the European Union to step up and protect refugees during the COVID-19 crisis. Humanitarian
NGOs in Europe are sounding the alarm as they have been forced to cut back or terminate services altogether due to nationwide shutdowns.
Volunteers who once worked with the organizations to provide shelter, food and other vital aid have all but disappeared as they self isolate.But the thousands of refugees on European shores who depended on their help have nowhere to go, and now some have no shelter or food.
Soap, hot water and other tools used to fight against the spread of the coronavirus are virtually non-existent at many of the refugee camps and to make matters worse, many are living in cramped, unsanitary conditions, making the spread of COVID-19 there an ever-present threat.
Unaccompanied minors are in particular danger as they have no support system at all outside of the NGOs that were caring for them. As these organizations shut down their beneficiaries' situation can go from desperate to dire in a matter of days.
Now that many NGOs have had to stop or curtail operations, it is now up to the European governments themselves to step in and give aid where it is needed. To allow the most vulnerable to suffer without any assistance would be negligent and immoral.
Please sign the petition and urge the European Union to step up and protect refugees during the COVID-19 crisis.