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October 27, 2023
The number of people displaced from their homes worldwide has reached a record 114 million, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Thursday. This figure represents a 5.6 million increase from the end of 2022 and is the highest number of displaced people since UNHCR began collecting data in 1975.
The main drivers of displacement in the first half of 2023 were the conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo; the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan; and a combination of drought, floods, and insecurity in Somalia.
"This is a sobering milestone," said UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi. "It is a reminder that the world is facing an unprecedented displacement crisis, with more and more people being forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution."
UNHCR said that more than 80% of the world's displaced people are now living in developing countries, which are often the least equipped to cope with the influx. The agency also warned that the global displacement crisis is putting a strain on humanitarian resources and that more funding is needed to meet the needs of the displaced.
"We need to work together to address the root causes of displacement and to ensure that everyone has a safe and dignified place to call home," said Grandi.
What can be done to help?
There are a number of things that individuals and governments can do to help displaced people. Here are a few ideas:
- Donate to humanitarian organizations that are working to provide assistance to displaced people.
- Volunteer your time to help displaced people in your community.
- Advocate for government policies that support displaced people and refugees.
- Educate yourself and others about the global displacement crisis.
By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of displaced people around the world.
