War and violence continue to drive the world into a dire humanitarian crisis. As of the end of September 2023, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports an estimated 114 million people displaced globally due to war, persecution, violence, and human rights violations. This staggering number is a stark reminder of the pressing need for a concerted effort to resolve conflicts and bring stability to regions torn apart by violence.
The primary factors leading to forced displacement in the first half of 2023 are the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar. Additionally, a combination of drought, floods, and insecurity in Somalia, along with a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, have contributed to this alarming figure. UNHCR’s Mid-Year Trends Report, analyzing displacement during the first six months of the year, underscores the urgent need for action.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, emphasizes the global significance of the situation. He rightly points out that while the world’s attention is currently focused on the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, numerous other conflicts around the globe are causing immense suffering and displacement. The inability of the international community to prevent or resolve these conflicts perpetuates the cycle of misery for innocent civilians.
As of June, 110 million people had already been forcibly displaced, marking an increase of 1.6 million from the previous year’s end. In just three months, from June to the end of September, an additional 4 million people were forcibly displaced, bringing the total to a staggering 114 million. Notably, this report does not account for the conflict in the Middle East, which erupted after the report’s coverage period and undoubtedly led to further displacement.
Grandi’s call for collective action resonates profoundly. Even when faced with the ongoing crises in Gaza, Sudan, and beyond, we must not lose hope. The prospects for peace and solutions may seem distant, but giving up is not an option. Instead, we must come together, working in partnership with a common goal: to end conflicts and create conditions for refugees and other displaced individuals to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.
One of the significant findings in the report is that low- and middle-income countries continue to bear the brunt of hosting 75 percent of refugees and individuals in need of international protection. This burden underscores the need for increased global cooperation and support for these countries. Notably, the report also highlights that 1.6 million new individual asylum applications were made in the first half of 2023, the highest number ever recorded.
Despite the challenges, there is room for hope. The report notes over 404,000 refugee returns, more than double the previous year, and a significant increase in internally displaced people returning home. The number of refugees being resettled is also on the rise.
As we contemplate these numbers and witness events unfolding in different regions, it’s vital to remember that peace and solutions for refugees and the displaced are not beyond our reach. The upcoming Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva, scheduled from December 13 to 15, offers an opportunity for governments, refugees, local authorities, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to unite. Together, we can strengthen the global response and seek solutions to address the record levels of displacement that confront us.In the face of this humanitarian crisis, our collective resolve to find solutions and work towards a more peaceful world is needed now more than ever. By addressing the root causes of conflict and displacement, we can hope to reduce the suffering of millions and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for all.
Mahboob Azam 