The number of people living in internal displacement soared to a record 75.9 million last year, a new UN-backed report said on Tuesday.
The year also saw nearly 47 million new internal displacements, highlighting the urgent need for protection and prevention efforts, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), which supplied data for the report.
“As the planet grapples with conflicts and disasters, the staggering numbers of 47 million new internal displacements tells a harrowing tale,” said IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels.
“This report is a stark reminder of the urgent and coordinated need to expand disaster risk reduction, support peacebuilding, ensure the protection of human rights and whenever possible, prevent the displacement before it happens,” she added.
Over 9.5 displaced in Sudan, Gaza
The report cited conflict and violence as primarily responsible for displacement, uprooting some 20.5 million people in 2023.
Nearly 30 percent of these occurred in Sudan, while the Gaza Strip accounted for 17 percent, or 3.4 million within the last three months of the year.
Natural disasters also continued to drive millions from their homes.
In 2023, disasters such as Cyclone Freddy in southeast Africa, earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and Cyclone Mocha in the Indian Ocean, led to 26.4 million displacements, making up 56 percent of the total new internal displacements.
Notably, there was an increase in disaster-induced displacements in high-income countries, highlighted by Canada’s unprecedented wildfire season, which caused 185,000 internal displacements.
Worrying trend
Looking ahead, the number of people displaced by disasters is expected to rise as natural hazards become more frequent, prolonged and intense due to climate change impacts.
Despite these significant challenges, there are also persisting knowledge gaps.
IOM underscored the need for the international community to have better data to understand, prevent, manage and address internal displacement in both conflict and disaster contexts.
Dave Belson, as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief, brings a wealth of experience and insight to his leadership role. With a keen eye for detail and a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, Dave guides his team in delivering top-notch reporting on crucial issues, setting the standard for excellence in journalism.
In my opinion, the record-breaking number of 75.9 million internally displaced individuals in 2023 is a stark reminder of the ongoing global conflicts and disasters that continue to devastate communities. The urgent need for protection and prevention efforts cannot be overstated, and it is crucial to address the root causes of displacement through disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding, and human rights protection.
As the planet grapples with conflicts and disasters, the staggering numbers of 47 million new internal displacements tell a harrowing tale. This report is a stark reminder of the urgent and coordinated need to expand disaster risk reduction, support peacebuilding, ensure the protection of human rights, and whenever possible, prevent the displacement before it happens.
How can we ensure better coordination to prevent such high numbers of internal displacements in the future?