The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) worldwide has doubled in the past decade, reaching an unprecedented 76 million. Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement, Robert Piper, highlighted this alarming trend citing conflicts, natural disasters, and weather-related events as primary causes.
Rise in Internal Displacement
Mr. Piper reported that these 76 million IDPs have lost their homes, livelihoods, and communities, and in some cases, their legal identities. Unlike refugees, IDPs have not crossed international borders. While some manage to return home quickly, many remain in protracted displacement for five to ten years or more.
CAUSES OF DISPLACEMENT
The primary causes of internal displacement include:
- Conflicts and War: Long-term displacement is often a result of ongoing conflicts.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, storms, earthquakes, and wildfires displace millions globally each year.
CONFLICT-INDUCED DISPLACEMENT
The latest figures from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) show that 68.3 million people are internally displaced due to conflict and violence. Countries with the highest numbers of IDPs include:
- Sudan: 9.1 million displaced, the largest ever reported.
- Syria: 7.2 million displaced.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 6.7 million displaced.
- Gaza: Over 80% of the population, amounting to 1.9 million civilians, are displaced.
- Haiti: 600,000 people displaced, double from last year.
- Myanmar: Most of the three million IDPs lack proper shelter and access to basic necessities.
IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTERS
Natural disasters such as floods, storms, and earthquakes continue to displace millions of people each year. These events not only destroy homes but also disrupt communities and livelihoods, leading to prolonged periods of displacement.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND DISPLACEMENT
Independent UN expert Paula Betancur, addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, emphasized that human rights abuses drive displacement. She called for accountability and recognition of the personal stories behind these staggering numbers.
NEED FOR LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS
While the UN’s humanitarian teams assisted up to 50 million IDPs last year, Mr. Piper stressed the need for sustainable solutions. The Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement seeks to break the cycle of long-term displacement and prevent future crises.
SECRETARY-GENERAL’S ACTION AGENDA
The Action Agenda outlines 31 concrete commitments and has been endorsed by 22 different UN agencies. Key goals include:
- Preventing new displacement crises.
- Ensuring effective protection and assistance for those facing displacement.
- Creating durable solutions to end long-term displacement.
CALL FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM
Piper urged Member States to establish an intergovernmental forum to address internal displacement more comprehensively. This approach aims to reduce over-reliance on the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).