A recently released report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that the number of people displaced by conflict, violence and persecution will reach 117.3 million by the end of 2023, an increase of 8% compared to the same period in 2022. This number reflects the deadlock in efforts to resolve long-standing crises as well as the consequences of newly occurring conflicts.
According to the UNHCR, heavy bombing in Syria remains the cause of the largest displacement crisis, affecting 13.8 million people. Conflict in Sudan has forced 10.8 million people to flee their homeland. Millions of people were also displaced by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) also said that about 75% of people across the Gaza Strip have been displaced since the conflict broke out at the end of 2023.
The UNHCR said that behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. Information about refugees dying on their journey to find new homes often appears in the media.
In addition to worrying figures, the UNHCR report also recorded some positive signals. Accordingly, 2023 witnessed more than 6 million displaced people returning home, while nearly 160,000 people have been resettled. UNHCR head Filippo Grandi emphasised this as "a glimmer of hope" in efforts to resolve the refugee problem.
Regarding the plans being promoted, Grandi said legacy refugee camps will be transformed into settlements where refugees will have greater opportunities to advance, with full access to a range of services. In Colombia, UNHCR supports a government system to include almost 2.3 million Venezuelans in the labour market.
When given a place to live, health care, study opportunities, and work, refugees not only have the chance to start a new life but can also contribute to the development of the country that welcomed them.
According to the UNHCR, the number of forcibly displaced people around the world has increased continuously over the past 12 years, reaching an estimated 120 million people as of last May.
Sending a message on World Refugee Day (June 20), Grandi emphasised that it is false, and irresponsible to claim that most are trying to get to Europe or the US.
In fact, three-quarters of the world's refugees come to low- or middle-income countries.
Just look at the tragedy unfolding in Sudan: It is the neighbouring countries of South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, and Egypt that provide sanctuary to Sudanese people fleeing the horror. These countries show that solidarity is possible even under the most trying circumstances.
However, it is difficult for hosting countries to bear the burden as the number of refugees increases.
For a long time, Egypt has been a country that receives refugees from many Middle Eastern and African countries. On World Refugee Day, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for mobilising necessary resources to meet the needs of refugees, while contributing to reducing pressure on receiving countries.
According to UNHCR, the number of forcibly displaced people around the world has increased continuously over the past 12 years, reaching an estimated 120 million people as of last May.
In recent days, many countries and international organisations have also affirmed their commitment to joining hands to realise this year's theme of this day, "For a world where refugees are welcomed". It is evident that in the context of the world's record number of refugees, responsibility sharing is still considered an effective solution to this problem.
In his message on World Refugee Day, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over this alarming situation and called for increased efforts to protect refugees on every step of their journey.
Guterres also called on the international community to show responsibility in supporting and receiving refugees, as well as resolving conflicts, which are the root cause of this problem.
