Ayat El Dewary
Here today, gone tomorrow. This is how humanitarian crises are sometimes covered in the news, treated like headlines only to attract engagement. While certain situations and stories receive far more attention, coverage and support than others, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, addresses all situations equally and impartially to leave no one behind. This is the way UNHCR has always responded, being the first on the ground to provide the necessary assistance for the displaced around the world.
On the 20th of June of each year, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and fortitude shown by the forcibly displaced who had to flee their homes due to persecution or conflict. It’s a day to honour their strength and determination to not only survive but also to build a better future for themselves and their families. However, despite the ongoing efforts and humanitarian interventions, the number of refugees and displaced people around the world is still growing.
The conflict in Ukraine, one of the largest and fastest forced displacement crises since World War Two, has exacerbated an already grave global displacement crisis, tipping figures to an all-time high. With more than 7 million refugees who sought safety outside of Ukraine and some 8 million people who have been displaced internally, the number of those forced to flee their homes around the world surpassed 100 million for the first time in history. A record number we never wanted to reach. A sad milestone we never wished to mark.
With more than 1% of the global population forced to flee, the 21st century could tragically be defined by the ever-growing number of people uprooted by conflicts if this pace continues. And it is developing nations that are shouldering the biggest responsibility when it comes to hosting refugees, with the majority (83%) being hosted by low- and middle-income countries. Children are also paying a hefty price, as they remain heavily and disproportionately hit by forced displacement, jeopardising their entire future.
As new refugee situations emerge, we must not forget existing crises that remain unresolved, most notably in Afghanistan, which has been suffering from consecutive conflicts for decades. Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis pushed some 2.3 million people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries and 3.5 million others to be displaced inside the country, 80% of whom are women and children and most in desperate need of assistance. More than half of the population is currently dependent on life-saving and essential humanitarian support.
Other parts of the world are similarly witnessing an exceptional displacement movement due to ongoing and increasing conflicts, scarce resources, and climate shocks. In fact, 95% of all internal conflict displacements in 2021 occurred in countries that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This continues to create an uncertain future for populations across Africa, who are already suffering from multiple conflicts and violence in different regions. Millions of refugees and asylum-seekers on the continent are currently facing harsh realities due to infrastructural damage caused by conflict, as well as, natural disasters such as cyclones and floods, all of which have further interrupted safe access to basic services.
The Middle East and North Africa region also has its unfortunate share of crises. An 11-year conflict in Syria and more than seven years of conflict in Yemen have devastated millions of families, drastically increasing the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The region faces its worst year of refuge yet, with some 4.4 million forcibly displaced Yemenis and more than 13.3 forcibly displaced Syrians, of whom 5.7 million are refugees hosted in countries neighbouring Syria, which are already grappling with difficult economic situations and inflation.
These are alarming figures to report. They represent mothers, fathers, girls, boys and elderly people whose lives are turned upside down through no fault of their own. It is time, now more than ever, to stand firm in our commitments to ensure that sustainable, innovative and action-oriented solutions are put in place to address the different crises. Most refugees want nothing more than to go home, but without the political will to make peace, the prospect of large numbers of refugees returning home in the near future will remain out of reach. As an international community, we must address the root causes forcing innocent people to flee their homes while continuing to provide vital assistance and support to the most vulnerable to ensure they can access basic services and live a dignified life.
Despite the enormous challenges, the State of Qatar has been among the first countries to provide continuous support, playing a key role in global humanitarian aid. Thanks to critical multi-year and flexible funding, Qatar helps UNHCR address emergencies in a timely manner and utilise funds where they are needed most. The State of Qatar and its development and humanitarian entities and establishments have supported a wide array of UNHCR programmes worldwide, providing education, healthcare, shelter, cash and winter assistance to the most vulnerable in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia and beyond. UNHCR is proud of the longstanding and strong partnership we have with the State of Qatar and its organisations which have been generously supporting our operations for over a decade.
To ensure that we are protecting, assisting, and finding solutions for all affected populations, individual efforts are no longer enough. Strong partnerships, like the ones developed with the State of Qatar and its various specialised organisations, are paramount as they allow us to develop and implement meaningful and impactful projects. Concrete response plans with action-oriented solutions focusing on the needs of the people of concern so that they can rebuild their lives are the only way we can ease the struggle of millions of refugees and displaced persons around world.
Let us take this opportunity to honor the displaced families for their resilience and perseverance. These men, women and children deserve a chance at a fair life, an education, proper healthcare, and opportunities to make their lives better. We must not leave them behind. Let us stand together to raise our voices and act in solidarity with those forced to flee, on this World Refugee Day and every other day of the year.
Ayat El-Dewary is UNHCR Representative in the State of Qatar.
