Geneva, 20 May 2022 (TDI): According to the Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 59.1 million people were displaced within their homelands in 2021.
This number is four million more than in 2020. The major cause of these displacements is disasters followed by violence and conflicts.
IOM has welcomed this report as a valuable tool for the organization, humanitarians, and governments in support of communities affected by disasters and other crises.
“Understanding, managing, and adapting to human mobility trends is crucial to ensure humanitarian assistance and essential services reach people where they are most needed,” the UN agency stated.
The number of people living in #internaldisplacement worldwide reached a record 59.1 million at the end of 2021, up from 55 million in 2020.
⚫️ 53.2 million by conflict & violence
⚫️ 5.9 million by disasters#GRID2022: https://t.co/nFkUalQklu— IOM – UN Migration 🇺🇳 (@UNmigration) May 19, 2022
Rising trend of Internal displacement
The rate of Internal displacement has increased with the increase in the frequency of disasters which is higher than related to conflicts and violence.
Weather-related events, storms, and cyclones contributed to 23.7 million internal displacements in 2021. The most significant number of exiles have been recorded in the Asia-Pacific region.
The UN organization has warned that the number is expected to rise due to the impacts of climate change and requires the implementation of climate action.
Internal displacement due to violence and conflict
14.4 million internal displacements occurred due to conflict and violence, 50% more than in 2020. The highest number of internal displacements was recorded in Africa in Ethiopia & DR Congo, whereas Myanmar & Afghanistan witnessed unprecedented removal numbers.
The report also focuses on youth and children who constitute 40 percent of the total number of internally displaced in 2021. The report highlights various gaps in understanding and addressing internal displacement during conflicts.
IOM has partnered with IDMC and International Alliance for Children on the Move (IDAC) to gather accurate data through its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).
This alliance aims to bring government, international and regional organizations, think tanks, and civil society to improve statistics and data on migrants and displaced children.
