Dr. Matiur Rahman :
World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20, is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by millions of displaced people worldwide. This year’s theme, “For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed,” underscores the urgent need for compassion, solidarity, and actionable solutions in addressing the plight of refugees.
The concept of international refugee protection was formalized in 1951 with the establishment of the Refugee Convention by the United Nations. This convention was initially focused on protecting the rights of refugees in Europe, which was grappling with the aftermath of World War II. The scope of the convention was expanded in 1967 to address displacement globally, reflecting the growing recognition of refugee crises beyond Europe.
When the Refugee Convention was born, there were 2.1 million refugees. This number saw a significant increase over the decades due to various conflicts and crises. By 1980, the number of refugees recorded by the UN had surpassed 10 million for the first time. The 1980s saw wars in Afghanistan and Ethiopia, which caused the number of refugees to double to 20 million by 1990.
The following two decades saw relatively stable numbers. However, the early 21st century witnessed a dramatic increase in refugee populations due to significant geopolitical events. The United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, combined with civil wars in South Sudan and Syria, resulted in refugee numbers exceeding 30 million by the end of 2021.
According to an Al Jazeera report, as of 2024, one out of every 69 people on Earth is displaced. This staggering statistic translates to about 120 million people, or 1.5 per cent of the global population, who have been uprooted from their homes. Behind these numbers lie countless human stories of families separated, livelihoods lost, and communities shattered.
Nearly three-quarters of all refugees originate from just five countries: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Palestine. Each of these nations has experienced profound turmoil, leading to massive displacements. Afghanistan and Syria each account for 6.4 million refugees. Venezuela follows closely with 6.1 million, while Ukraine and Palestine each have around 6 million refugees. These numbers highlight the concentrated nature of refugee crises, with a few countries bearing the brunt of forced migrations.
Under international law, refugees are defined as individuals who are compelled to flee their home countries to escape persecution or serious threats to their life, physical integrity, or freedom. Despite the legal protections afforded to refugees, their plight remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time.
Approximately 70 per cent of refugees and others in need of international protection reside in countries adjacent to their own.
This statistic underscores the significant burden placed on neighbouring nations, which often lack the resources to adequately support large influxes of displaced persons. Additionally, 68 million people are internally displaced within their own countries, facing severe hardships and limited access to necessities. The remaining displaced population comprises 43.4 million refugees in need of protection and 6.9 million asylum seekers.
The annual displacement report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) sheds light on the ongoing and escalating nature of global displacement. The war in Ukraine, which began in 2022, precipitated one of the fastest-growing refugee crises since World War II. Within less than a year, 5.7 million people were forced to flee Ukraine. By the end of 2023, six million Ukrainians remained forcibly displaced, underscoring the enduring impact of the conflict.
The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has also had a devastating impact on the Palestinian population. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) estimated that from October to December, up to 1.7 million people – more than 75% of the population – were displaced within the Gaza Strip, many forced to flee multiple times. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with all 2.3 million inhabitants facing severe food shortages and the looming threat of famine.
Globally, the largest refugee populations are hosted by Iran, Turkey, Colombia, Germany, and Pakistan. Iran hosts 3.8 million refugees, primarily Afghans, while Turkey shelters 3.3 million, mostly Syrians. Colombia has taken in 2.9 million refugees, and Germany and Pakistan host 2.6 million and 2 million refugees respectively. In the past decade, refugee numbers have increased in these major host countries, except for Turkey, where numbers have decreased by 14 per cent since 2021.
Germany stands out as the only major host country not bordering the main refugee source nations. Most refugees in Germany at the end of 2023 were from Ukraine (1.1 million), Syria (705,800), Afghanistan (255,100), and Iraq (146,500). This demonstrates Germany’s significant role in providing refuge despite its geographical distance from the primary sources of displacement.
World Refugee Day 2024 serves as a crucial platform to amplify the voices of refugees and advocate for their rights. It calls on the international community to foster an environment where refugees are welcomed and supported, rather than marginalized and stigmatized.
The theme “For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed” emphasizes the need for global cooperation, empathy, and robust policy frameworks to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of refugees.
The staggering number of displaced individuals underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions. This involves not only providing immediate humanitarian aid but also addressing the root causes of displacement, such as conflict, persecution, and socio-economic instability. International solidarity and cooperation are paramount in tackling these complex challenges and building a more inclusive and compassionate world for refugees.
On World Refugee Day 2024, let us renew our commitment to protecting the rights of refugees and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. By fostering a world where refugees are welcomed, we can contribute to a more just and equitable global society.
(The writer is a researcher and
development worker).