The world faces an unprecedented global displacement crisis as 110 million people are forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and violence. This staggering figure surpasses the entire population of Germany, highlighting the severity of the situation. Children, constituting 40% of the displaced population, bear a disproportionate burden, with 43.3 million young lives disrupted, according to a new analysis by Plan International. A look at the refugee hotspots.
Where are the refugee hotspots?
- Syrian refugees: Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan
- Ukrainian refugees: Poland, Moldova, rest of Europe
- Venezuelan refugees: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador
- East African refugees: Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya
- West African refugees: Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritiana
- Myanmar (Rohingya refugees): Bangladesh
SYRIA
The Syrian conflict, spanning over a decade, has resulted in the displacement of millions, aggravated by compounding factors such as COVID-19, food shortages, and natural calamities. This ongoing crisis has led Syrians to seek refuge globally, with a significant population hosted in neighbouring countries. The dire situation in Lebanon, specifically for children, reflects critical challenges, including hunger, health concerns, and disrupted education, amplifying the risks faced by an entire generation.
The conflict in Syria, enduring for more than ten years, continues to uproot millions from their homes, perpetuating instability and suffering. Despite efforts, the conflict shows no signs of resolution, prolonging the plight of displaced Syrians.
Impact of Additional Challenges: Factors like the global COVID-19 pandemic, a widespread food crisis, and the devastating 2023 earthquake have exacerbated the dire conditions faced by the Syrian population. These adversities have triggered further movement as individuals seek safety and refuge.
Syrians constitute almost 20% of the global refugee population, with approximately 6.5 million dispersed across 131 countries. The majority seek shelter in neighbouring nations, including Turkey (3.5 million), Lebanon (814,700), and Jordan (660,900), reflecting the massive scale of displacement.
In Lebanon, Syrian children encounter alarming levels of hunger, illness, and disrupted education amid the country’s economic crisis. Deteriorating living conditions force children to skip meals, abandon schooling, and seek employment to support their families, jeopardizing their well-being and future prospects.
The dire situation facing Syrian refugees, particularly children, demands immediate attention and robust humanitarian aid. Addressing the complex challenges of displacement, poverty, and disrupted education becomes imperative to safeguard the well-being and future of an entire generation affected by this crisis.
UKRAINE
Ongoing Strife and Urgent Needs (5.7 million refugees): As Ukraine enters its third year of conflict, over 5 million Ukrainians remain internally displaced, and an additional 6.3 million are displaced across borders. More than 17 million people urgently need humanitarian assistance within Ukraine. Plan International is actively responding in Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland, focusing on education and play centres to support refugees, particularly girls and children.
VENEZUELA
A Growing Crisis and Ongoing Challenges (5.2 million refugees): With over seven million Venezuelans fleeing abroad, the crisis remains one of the largest displacement challenges globally. Colombia hosts 2.5 million Venezuelan migrants, and Ecuador grapples with over 500,000 refugees. Plan International addresses the multifaceted needs of migrants, including health, education, housing, and livelihoods, working towards humanitarian assistance and long-term integration.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA – EAST
Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Needs (5 million refugees): In East Sub-Saharan Africa, South Sudanese refugees, numbering over 2.3 million by the end of 2022, faces dire conditions. Conflict in Sudan has displaced 2.5 million more, worsening humanitarian needs. Plan International operates in the region, providing life-saving assistance, constructing shelters, and aiding families affected by the Sudan crisis.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA – WEST
Sahel Crisis and Rising Displacement (1.1 million refugees): The central Sahel witnesses escalating forced displacement, reaching 2.9 million in 2022, driven by conflict, insecurity, and hunger. By the end of the year, 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers are recorded in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The Sahel crisis continues, with Plan International addressing the complex challenges posed by conflict, climate change, and food insecurity.
MYANMAR
Rohingya Crisis and Stateless Refugees (1.2 million refugees): The Rohingya crisis unfolds as a stateless Muslim minority faces violence and persecution in Myanmar. Since 2017, 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, predominantly women and children, have fled to Bangladesh and Malaysia. Plan International leads education and health programs in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, providing crucial support to Rohingya refugees.