Daily Hot Topic

Topic : The Global Displacement Crisis

GS-1 Mains  : Society 

Revision Notes

A recent report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) paints a grim picture of global displacement. By May 2024, a staggering 120 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, marking a record high and representing a nearly 10% increase from just a year prior. This translates to roughly 1.5% of the entire global population being uprooted from their homes.

The report sheds light on several key aspects of this unfolding crisis:

• Surge in Displacement: The number of displaced individuals has been steadily rising for the past 12 years, with conflicts in countries like Sudan, Gaza, Myanmar, and ongoing situations like the Syrian Civil War acting as major drivers.
• Breakdown of Displacement: Contrary to common misconceptions, 75% of refugees and migrants find themselves in low and middle-income countries, often straining their limited resources.
• UNHCR Data: The report details the growing numbers:
  • 117.3 million people were displaced by the end of 2023.
  • Fighting in Sudan alone displaced over 6 million by December 2023.
  • Up to 1.7 million people, constituting over 75% of Gaza’s population, are internally displaced.
  • There are around 6 million Palestinian refugees under the UNRWA mandate, with 1.6 million in Gaza.
• Causes of Displacement: Persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and public order disturbances are the primary reasons people flee their homes. The report highlights the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Gaza as significant contributors.
• Beyond the Headlines: Other regions like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Haiti, Syria, and Armenia are also grappling with large displaced populations.
• Climate Change Impact: The report acknowledges the significant role climate-related hazards play in displacement. Extreme weather events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, forcing people to flee their homes.

The consequences of displacement and migration are far-reaching, encompassing both negative and positive implications:

• Negative Impacts:

  • Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement often leads to immense suffering, loss of life, trauma, and the erosion of basic human rights. Refugees and migrants face exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
  • Economic Strain: Host countries, especially those with limited resources, struggle to provide essential services and infrastructure for large numbers of newcomers. This can strain public resources and social systems.
  • Social Tension: Large-scale migration can lead to social tensions, xenophobia, and discrimination in host communities. Integrating newcomers requires careful planning and resources.
  • Political Instability: Displacement and migration can exacerbate political tensions and conflicts, both in countries of origin and destination.

• Positive Impacts:

  • Economic Growth: Migrants can contribute to economic growth in host countries by filling labor shortages, starting businesses, and paying taxes.
  • Cultural Enrichment: Migration fosters cultural exchange and diversity, enriching societies with new perspectives, ideas, and traditions.
  • Skills and Knowledge Transfer: Migrants often bring valuable skills and knowledge that can benefit host countries in various sectors.
  • Demographic Balance: In some cases, migration can help address demographic challenges, such as aging populations.

The report emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and existing frameworks:

• Treaties and Programs: The 1951 Refugee Convention defines who qualifies as a refugee and outlines their rights and the obligations of states to protect them. The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) aim for a more coordinated and equitable global response.
• UN Agencies: The UNHCR leads global efforts to protect and assist refugees, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provides services and advice on migration to governments and migrants.

The Way Forward

The report concludes with several key recommendations to address this growing crisis:

• Conflict Prevention and Resolution: Addressing the root causes of displacement through conflict prevention, resolution, and upholding human rights is crucial to preventing future displacement crises.
• Humanitarian Aid: Providing immediate assistance, including food, shelter, healthcare, and protection, is essential to save lives and alleviate the suffering of displaced populations.
• Sustainable Development: Investing in development programs in countries of origin can create economic opportunities and improve living conditions, reducing pressures to migrate.
• Legal Pathways and Protection: Expanding legal pathways for migration, such as resettlement programs and work visas, along with strengthening legal protections for refugees and asylum seekers, offers safer and more orderly alternatives to irregular migration.

By working together to address the root causes of displacement, providing adequate support to those displaced, and fostering international cooperation, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.