Migrants in Narewka, near Poland-Belarus border. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The pandemic has caused increased unemployment and poverty, increased food insecurity, a greater vulnerability to violence, and reduced education opportunities for children. It has also exacerbated mental health issues, according to the study.

Women have seen a larger impact on their income, are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 because of their care-giving role, are more exposed to sexual and gender-based violence, and suffer mental health effects to a greater degree than men. Migrants have been more likely to lose their job or have their hours cut during the pandemic, and have been frequently excluded from formal protections and safeguards.