CONCLUSIONS AND WAY FORWARD Reduction of barriers to seeking health care for refugees and migrants This brief survey suggests that refugees and migrants liv‑ ing in insecure accommodation such as in informal settle‑ ments would be less likely to seek medical care in case of (suspected) COVID‑19 symptoms. For the benefit of both individuals and common public health, it is essential to en‑ sure that everyone can and does access health-care servic‑ es. The fear of deportation is cited by respondents without documents as a barrier to seeking health care. To overcome this, the needs of and not the legal and/or migratory status of refugees and migrants should inform the medical care they receive; this will realize the goals of universal access to health care and the right to health. Policy and legal prin‑ ciples have been developed to overcome barriers of this type and to remove any linkage between immigration en‑ forcement systems and health-care provision (a so-called firewall). Refugees and migrants in this study also reported that financial constraints would prevent them from seek‑ ing health care if they had symptoms of COVID‑19. Public health measures to prevent COVID‑19 Most refugees and migrants said they always or often fol‑ lowed precautionary measures. Some, however, highlight‑ ed that they had more difficulties in following the measures because of the situation in which they were living. This is not an issue limited to the refugee and migrant populations. But, nonetheless, it shows the specific issues for these ref‑ ugees and migrants who participated in the survey. from news from the country they were currently living in. Moreover, refugees and migrants with lower levels of ed‑ ucation appear to be much less informed about COVID‑19 and the measures to take, as also were certain age groups. Information on COVID‑19, about what national or local government-initiated preventive measures have been taken and how to protect one’s self and others should be widely accessible in every country in multiple languages. It should also be targeted across different sociodemographic indicators using a variety of methods to maximize uptake. Some subgroups of the refugee and migrant population may be in situations of greater difficulty, such as those liv‑ ing in refugee camps, and those who depend on govern‑ ments, international organizations and NGOs for informa‑ tion. Results of the survey show the importance of NGOs and organizations supporting refugees and migrants as information providers on COVID‑19, particularly for people residing in asylum centres and refugee camps and for irreg‑ ular migrants. However, COVID‑19 measures have result‑ ed in reduced services and fewer staff present, leading to reduced possibilities for interacting with staff and acquir‑ ing information on COVID‑19. Adequate initiatives should, therefore, be taken to ensure access to information, cultur‑ ally and linguistically, for all refugee and migrant groups, including for those depending on information from NGOs and other organizations. Combat discrimination The initial findings from the survey show again that the living situation is an important determinant for mental health and social well-being, as well as discrimination, dur‑ ing this pandemic. Those living on the streets or in insecure accommodation may face a significantly higher impact from the pandemic. Those living in more difficult living sit‑ uations are also much less likely to be able to follow pre‑ cautions against COVID‑19. Initiatives to improve housing conditions and providing accommodation or shelter for those living on the streets or in insecure accommodation are essential. Many refugees and migrants reported a perceived increase in discrimination since the pandemic. Governments have a responsibility to address discrimination and stigmatiza‑ tion and should actively focus on sensitization campaigns to prevent these. Sufficient attention should be given to tackling these issues because of their potential impact on individuals’ health and well-being. Countries should ensure that discriminatory practices towards refugees and mi‑ grants are discouraged. Targeted and accessible information for all The pandemic has created increasingly difficult living con‑ ditions for all, but particularly for certain groups of refugees and migrants and those living in more precarious situa‑ tions, such as in insecure accommodation or as irregular Almost 80% of the refugees and migrants who filled out the survey reported that they found information on COVID‑19 Improve daily living conditions Conclusions and way forward | 27