face additional stigmatization and discrimination as well as relative income instability (8–11). There are important differ‑ ences among refugees and migrants depending on a wide range of factors such as their legal status, their integration in the hosting society, their educational background, country of origin and so on, all affecting their health status differently (11–13). Evidence may indicate poor health outcomes among refu‑ gees and migrants. Migrant women are likely more exposed to sexual violence, abuse and trafficking, as well as risks related to pregnancy and childbirth. They may experience poor access to sexual and reproductive health services (12). Children may be affected by health risks and poor access to health services. Many refugees and migrants may be more prone to risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, such as exposure to tobacco, and often experience challenges in accessing health services when living with a chronic con‑ dition. Those affected by noncommunicable diseases may experience interruption in their care when they move with‑ out medicines or health records. Evidence also suggests that there are higher reported levels of mental distress among refugee and migrant populations, with increased risk for older people, people with underlying medical condi‑ tions, women and those who have experienced trauma; fur‑ ther risks are linked to lack of social support and increased stress after migration (11,12). Many of these problems might be intensified during the COVID‑19 crisis. The negative 2 | Introduction impact of COVID‑19 on the health and living conditions of refugees and migrants may have impact on the families they have left behind in countries of origin (8–10,14–18). The plight of refugees and migrants during the COVID‑19 crisis has been highlighted in the media, and by online stories, blogs, reports and posts, often with regional or national focus and not reported by refugees and migrants themselves. It is vital to better understand how refugees and migrants themselves experience the pandemic and its consequences. The ApartTogether survey aimed to collect‑ ed data from refugees and migrants globally on how they perceived the pandemic has impacted them. The results presented here could provide insight into potential ac‑ tions, including indicating where more data might need to be collected systematically, to address the concerns faced by refugees and migrants. The survey gave refugees and migrants a platform to self-report the perceived impact of COVID‑19 on their lives including the preventive measures recommended. It also provides an opportunity to better understand their situ‑ ation and specific difficulties they face. This is not a sys‑ tematic survey of the incidence of COVID‑19 among ref‑ ugees and migrants nor an assessment of the prevalence of symptoms or immunity. This advocacy brief captures a preliminary analysis and findings based on the collected self-reported data and observations.

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