Alarming Rise in Displacement
The global forcibly displaced population has doubled to 120 million over the past decade, according to a new report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). As of early 2024, at least 117.3 million people, or one in 69 individuals worldwide, are displaced due to conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. This number is expected to surpass 120 million by the end of April 2024, highlighting a worsening trend in global displacement.
Human Toll Behind the Numbers
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized the human toll behind these numbers. “Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. That suffering must galvanize the international community to act urgently to tackle the root causes of forced displacement,” Grandi said. The report underscores that of the 117.3 million displaced individuals, 68.3 million are internally displaced within their own countries, often due to conflicts and crises like those in Gaza, where ongoing violence has displaced more than 1.7 million people.
Increase in Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The number of refugees crossing international borders rose by seven percent to 43.4 million in 2023, driven by displacement in Sudan and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and other regions. Additionally, the number of asylum seekers—people seeking protection in another country due to persecution or fear of harm in their home country—rose to 6.9 million, a 26 percent increase from the previous year.
Historical Context of Global Displacement
The history of global displacement has seen significant shifts. The UN established the Refugee Convention in 1951 to protect refugees’ rights in Europe after World War II, expanding in 1967 to address global displacement. Initially, there were 2.1 million refugees, but by 1980, this number surpassed 10 million due to wars in Afghanistan and Ethiopia. By 1990, the number doubled again to 20 million. Over the next two decades, the refugee numbers remained relatively stable.
Modern Conflict and Rising Numbers
However, the early 21st century saw dramatic increases in displacement due to the United States’ invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, as well as civil wars in South Sudan and Syria. By the end of 2021, the number of refugees exceeded 30 million. The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, led to one of the fastest-growing refugee crises since World War II, with 5.7 million people fleeing Ukraine within a year. By the end of 2023, six million Ukrainians remained forcibly displaced.
Impact of Sudan Conflict and Gaza Crisis
Conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces further exacerbated global displacement. By 2023, 1.5 million people had been displaced due to this conflict, significantly impacting Syrian refugees previously hosted in Sudan. Many Syrian refugees left for other countries as the war intensified, reducing their numbers in Sudan from 93,500 in 2022 to 26,600 in 2023. The situation in Gaza has also deteriorated, with Israel’s bombardment displacing up to 1.7 million people more than 75 percent of the population between October and December 2023. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, with all 2.3 million inhabitants facing food insecurity and the threat of famine.
Origins of Displaced Populations
Refugees originate primarily from five countries: Afghanistan (6.4 million), Syria (6.4 million), Venezuela (6.1 million), Ukraine (6 million), and Palestine (6 million). These countries account for nearly 72 percent of all refugees worldwide. Under international law, refugees are individuals forced to flee their home countries due to persecution or serious threats to their life, physical integrity, or freedom.
Major Host Countries
Most refugees are hosted in countries neighboring their origins. Iran hosts the largest refugee population (3.8 million), followed by Turkey (3.3 million), Colombia (2.9 million), Germany (2.6 million), and Pakistan (2 million). In Iran and Pakistan, the vast majority of refugees are Afghans, while Turkey predominantly hosts Syrians. Germany is notable as it does not border the main refugee source countries, hosting primarily Ukrainians, Syrians, Afghans, and Iraqis.
Urgent Need for Action
The past decade has seen a rise in refugee numbers in major host countries, with Turkey being an exception, where the refugee population has decreased by 14 percent since 2021. Germany stands out for its significant intake of refugees despite not sharing borders with major refugee-producing countries. The ongoing displacement crisis calls for urgent international action to address the root causes of forced migration and provide adequate support to affected populations. The plight of displaced individuals underscores the need for comprehensive solutions and coordinated efforts to ensure their safety, dignity, and rights.
Conclusion
The rising numbers of forcibly displaced individuals highlight the global challenges in addressing conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. As the international community grapples with these issues, the focus must remain on finding sustainable solutions to protect and support the world’s most vulnerable populations.
