The coronavirus pandemic is having a “devastating” impact on people displaced and affected by conflict, tipping many into hunger and homelessness, a new study by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) shows.

The report, titled “Downward Spiral”, is based on assessments and survey in 14 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia and Yemen.

According to NRC, nearly three quarters of the 1,400 people surveyed said they had seen a clear deterioration in their conditions since the pandemic broke out, AFP reported.

For instance, 70 per cent “had to cut the number of meals for their household,” 77pc had lost a job or income from work, and 73pc said they were less likely to send their children to school due to “economic hardship”.