Geneva, 26 October 2023 (TDI): In a recent report, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) revealed that the global forced displacement crisis reached alarming heights, with over 114 million people displaced due to conflict, persecution, and rights violations by the end of September.
UNHCR’s Mid-Year Trends Report for 2023 identifies critical causes of forced displacement, including the Ukraine war and conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar.
Additionally, Somalia faced displacement due to drought, floods, and insecurity, while Afghanistan grappled with a persistent humanitarian crisis. The report sheds light on the complex factors driving forced displacement during the first half of 2023.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, emphasized the pressing issue of forced displacement, stating that while attention is rightly on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, numerous conflicts worldwide continue to escalate, causing immense suffering and displacement.
He highlighted the global failure to resolve conflicts, leading to widespread misery.
Grandi called for collective efforts to end conflicts, enabling displaced individuals to rebuild their lives and return home, and urging international collaboration to alleviate the forced displacement crisis.
Also read: Report on Migrants and Refugees
The global forced displacement crisis intensified significantly, reaching 110 million people by June, a rise of 1.6 million from the previous year.
Notably, more than half of those forced to flee remain in their own countries. Between June and September, an additional 4 million individuals were forcibly displaced, totaling 114 million.
It’s crucial to note that these figures do not reflect the impact of the Middle East conflict that began after this period, indicating a likely increase in displacement figures due to ongoing conflicts.
In the midst of crises in Gaza, Sudan, and other regions, finding peace and solutions for displaced populations may seem distant, according to Grandi. However, he emphasized the importance of persistence.
Together with partners, efforts will continue to seek and implement solutions for refugees. Notably, 75% of refugees and those needing international protection found refuge in low- and middle-income countries.
The first six months of the year saw a record high of 1.6 million individual asylum applications, while refugee returns doubled from the previous year, although many returned under unsafe conditions.
Additionally, 2.7 million internally displaced individuals returned home, reflecting a significant increase compared to the same period in 2022. The number of refugees being resettled also rose during this time.
