100 million people forced to flee  

Ukraine and other conflicts push forcibly displaced total over 100 million for the first time. This is a message from UK for UNHCR CEO Emma Cherniavsky.  

24.05.2022

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© UNHCR/Maciej Moskwa

In recent months, we’ve all watched the crisis unfold in Ukraine as millions of people have been uprooted by war and brutal violence.

They join the many families already displaced by conflict globally, from Ethiopia and Burkina Faso, to Myanmar, Syria and Afghanistan. The escalation of crises around the world – and the continued lack of peaceful solutions – means that forced displacement has reached another heart-breaking record.

According to new data, UNHCR estimates that more than 100 million people have now been forced to flee their homes globally. This tragic milestone is a stark reminder that, every day, women, men and children are being forced to abandon their homes and flee to safety at a moment’s notice.  

One hundred million people should make us stop, think, and most importantly, act. In response to the war in Ukraine, we have witnessed an incredible outpouring of compassion and action from individuals, civil society, governments and the private sector across the UK.   
 
But we need to see the same level of global cooperation and ambition to support all forcibly displaced people – whoever and wherever they are.    
 
The vast majority of displaced people, well over three-quarters, live in low- and middle-income countries. These hosting nations and communities need the continued support of the global community, and every section of society can play a part in this.

This sombre milestone must serve as a wakeup call. Without taking steps to resolve destructive conflicts, end persecution or address the underlying causes that force innocent people to flee their homes, this number will only continue to rise.

In the words of UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi:  ‘Ultimately, humanitarian aid is a palliative, not a cure. To reverse this trend, the only answer is peace and stability.’   

UNHCR will continue to seek lasting solutions for refugees and displaced families around the world – from the moment they flee, to a time when they can return home, supporting them to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity.

The road ahead is not easy. But we believe that with collective effort and political will, we can give 100 million forcibly displaced people worldwide a more stable and peaceful future.    

To make a donation to help people who have been forced to flee, please click here.

Do you want to offer a lifeline to refugees? Find out more about how you can fundraise for refugees here 

 

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