According to the UN refugee agency, a staggering 120 million individuals have been displaced due to war, violence, and persecution. This marks the 12th consecutive year that the number has increased, resulting in a global displaced population equivalent to that of Japan. The recent conflicts in Sudan and Gaza have contributed to this rise, prompting the UN refugee agency chief, Filippo Grandi, to describe it as a “terrible indictment on the state of the world.” Instead of focusing on closing borders and politicizing refugees, Grandi called on governments to address the root causes of the problem and work together for more lasting solutions. The agency’s annual report also revealed that the war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has forced over nine million people to flee their homes.
Since October, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.7 million people, which accounts for about 75% of the population.
However, the largest displacement crisis in the world remains in Syria, where a conflict that began in 2011 has forced nearly 14 million people out of their homes.
Last year, millions more people were also driven from their homes due to fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar.
Contrary to popular belief, the United Nations refugee agency clarified that not all refugees and migrants seek refuge in wealthy countries. In fact, the majority of refugees are located in neighboring countries as well as low and middle-income nations.
The global number of displaced people has almost tripled since 2012, and unfortunately, this figure is likely to continue rising unless there is a significant shift in international geopolitics, as stated by Mr. Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The agency strongly condemns warring parties for their disregard of international law, as it is these conflicts that are responsible for driving displacement.