In the EHAGL Region, UNHCR and the WB have been collaborating to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on refugees using high-frequency phone surveys. Since May 2020, refugees have been included into the national socio-economic impact of COVID high frequency phone surveys led by the National Statistics Offices of the respective countries and the World Bank. These surveys will yield over 10,000 refugee households observations including two waves of data collection in Ethiopia (Sep-Oct), two waves in Kenya (May-Jun and Jul-Sep) and one wave in Uganda (Oct-Dec), one wave in Djibouti (Dec- Jan 21). The results from the Kenya high-frequency phone surveys show that COVID-related Job loss and unemployment have also affected Refugee households. Prior to COVID-19 outbreak in Kenya, there was a high level of unemployment among refugees. Due to the pandemic, the level of unemployment has significantly increased, with only about 8% of urban refugees and 23% of camp-based refugees reported having a job versus 53% for nationals. As the result, Refugee households are resorting to negative coping strategies. About 17% of urban refugees reported selling assets to generate income.

Sahel internal displacement tops 2 million as violence surges Grim milestone reached in world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis as fighting uproots 11,400 within Burkina Faso. https://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2021/1/600a85bd4/sahel-internal-displacement-tops-2-million-violence-surges.html