[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on the 23rd (local time) that the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has surpassed 100 million for the first time in history due to various conflicts including war.
UNHCR explained, "The number of people forced to flee due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, and persecution has exceeded the astonishing record of 100 million for the first time ever, driven by the war in Ukraine and other deadly conflicts."
In the statement, it was also reported that conflicts and violent incidents in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Congo, and other countries had already pushed the number beyond 90 million by the end of last year. Since then, the war in Ukraine that broke out in February this year has caused the number of forcibly displaced people to increase even more rapidly. On February 24th, Russia invaded Ukraine, and since then, more than 8 million people have left Ukraine, with over 6 million refugees crossing borders to escape.
Forcibly displaced people is a comprehensive term that includes all those who have been forced to move from their residences to escape conflict, human rights violations, persecution, and more. The legal status of 'refugee' is also included within forcibly displaced people. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have moved within their own country and asylum seekers are also included in this category.
Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner, described the figure of 100 million as "a harsh and astonishing number," adding, "This is a record that should never have been set." He emphasized, "It should serve as a wake-up call to address the fundamental causes that force innocent people to abandon their homes and flee by preventing destructive conflicts and stopping persecution."
The figure of 100 million corresponds to 1% of the global population, but there are only 13 countries with populations larger than the total number of forcibly displaced people worldwide.
Grandi noted, "The international response to those fleeing the war in Ukraine has been overwhelmingly positive," and explained, "Compassion is alive, and we need similar solidarity for all crises worldwide." He further added, "Ultimately, humanitarian aid is not a cure but a palliative."
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20 countries still refuse asylum to displaced people citing virus containment reasons. Grandi criticized these countries for violating basic human rights and called for the lifting of remaining pandemic-related asylum restrictions.
UNHCR plans to summarize and release the full data on forced displacement from last year in its annual Global Trends report scheduled for publication on the 16th of next month.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
