Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Demography

Context:

• Pre-pandemic internal migration patterns in response to insecurity and violence.
• Analysis of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of displaced populations.
• Identification of regions attracting migrants due to violence before COVID-19.

Purpose:

• To analyze the origins, socioeconomic status, and demographics of individuals migrating due to insecurity and violence prior to March 2020.
• To identify regions with lower violence levels that attracted these migrants.
• To compare the characteristics of these migrants with other internal migrants.

Summary:

• Internal migrants fleeing violence before the pandemic exhibited pre-existing vulnerabilities in employment and healthcare access.
• Spatial correlation analysis of 2020 census microdata identified attractive regions for violence-driven migrants.
• These migrants' characteristics were analyzed in relation to other internal migrants and destinations.

Impact:

• Pre-pandemic vulnerabilities may have intensified the impact of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns on this migrant population.
• Highlights the need for targeted support for vulnerable migrant groups during public health crises.
• Informs policy on internal displacement and disaster preparedness.