Reducing inequality and ensuring that no one is left behind are integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Social, political, and economic inclusion must be guaranteed to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, religion, age, gender, or disability.

Inequality is also deepening for vulnerable populations in countries with weaker health systems and those facing existing humanitarian crises.

In particular, the most vulnerable segments of the population – such as refugees, migrants, the elderly, and those with disabilities – remain at risk of being left behind to date.

Hate speech against these vulnerable groups is dangerously on the rise.

In this context, the spread of the CODIV-19 pandemic has had negative impacts on the steps taken to reduce inequality over the past 10 years, primarily affecting the most vulnerable groups and the poorest countries.

Despite restrictions on mobility around the world, in 2020 refugees reached the highest absolute number ever recorded (United Nations, n.d.).