One in 67 People Worldwide Forcibly Displaced
Civil War Drives One-Third of Sudan's Population from Their Homes
As the global forcibly displaced population has surpassed approximately 120 million, Sudan in Africa has emerged as the country suffering the most severe impact.
According to the "Global Trends Report 2024," released by the UNHCR Korea Office (headed by Kim Saeryeo) on June 13 ahead of "World Refugee Day" (June 20), the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide stood at 123.2 million as of the end of last year. This means that 1 out of every 67 people globally is currently forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, or climate change.
However, as of April this year, the global number of forcibly displaced people was 122 million, indicating that, after rising sharply for over a decade, the increase in forcibly displaced people has recently slowed somewhat.
The UNHCR analyzed that this change is due to a combination of factors, including an increase in returns in some countries, statistical adjustments, and the absence of new large-scale conflict situations. However, the UNHCR warned, "The level of forced displacement remains at an all-time high," and added, "This is by no means a situation to be complacent about."
According to the report, Sudan is currently experiencing the largest forced displacement, with 14.3 million people affected. This is followed by Syria (13.5 million), Afghanistan (10.3 million), and Ukraine (10.3 million). These four countries, including Sudan, account for about one-third of the total number of forcibly displaced people worldwide.
The UNHCR explained, "The civil war in Sudan, which broke out in April 2023, triggered the world's largest displacement crisis," and added, "Most Sudanese have been forced to leave their homes, becoming internally displaced persons or fleeing to other countries as refugees." The agency continued, "This is an increase of 3.5 million compared to the previous year," and noted, "As of the end of 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people will amount to one-third of Sudan's total population." These individuals have moved to other regions within Sudan or migrated to neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized, "Modern warfare not only causes severe humanitarian suffering but also creates vulnerable and dire conditions," and stressed, "We must redouble our efforts to find peace and sustainable solutions for refugees and forcibly displaced people."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
