and a basic standard of living and to ensure accessibility and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities to enable them to live independently in the community, with support as necessary. Children constitute an estimated 31 million of the world’s forcibly displaced, and, in the context of the current pandemic, face particular challenges, including access to testing and treatment, adequate water, sanitation, shelter, and education. These challenges are compounded for children who are unaccompanied or separated through border closures, intensified immigration enforcement, containment measures such as quarantine, and the death of caregivers. International human rights law requires States to ensure that the best interests of the child is a primary consideration in all actions concerning children. In responding to the COVID-19 crisis, States must respect the right to family life and the principle of family unity. States should thus refrain from actions that could result in separation and should take proactive measures to facilitate the speedy reunification of families. States must also take steps to combat the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. (Sources: CRC art. 3(1), 9(1), 10(1); ICCPR arts. 17(1), (2), UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime: Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children art. 9; ICESCR arts. 10, 12; International Covenant on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities arts. 11, 25.) 13. Labor rights of workers States must observe the labor rights of migrants, refugees, and other displaced persons working in essential occupations and industries, and in particular take measures to protect their health. States must provide assistance to migrants, refugees, and other displaced persons who lose their jobs and incomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic to the same extent that such protection is afforded to nationals. Migrants, who make up large portions of the “essential” workforce in many States, will continue to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Standards related to workplace safety, minimum wages, hazard pay, overtime, and collective bargaining apply to them on the same basis as nationals. To protect the health of all workers, States must ensure that migrant, refugee, and other displaced workers are provided with appropriate protective equipment, as well as with soap, water, and sanitary facilities. They may not be compelled to work in hazardous conditions or confined in overcrowded accommodation. States must also protect, on the same basis as nationals, migrants, refugees, and other displaced persons who are unable to work (whether because of sickness or workplace closures) due to the pandemic. They are entitled to the same social benefits as nationals, including with respect to health care, sick leave, social security, and unemployment insurance. States should also take steps to ensure that work closures and other measures do not expose migrants and their families to any special risks, whether they stay or are forced to return home in order to survive. For instance, visas should be granted or extended regardless of employment status, and no one should be rendered “irregular” because they have lost their job or failed to acquire one during the pandemic. 12