The number of people displaced within their own countries due to conflict and violence has reached a staggering new high, according to a UN expert.
At the close of 2023, an estimated 68.3 million people were internally displaced worldwide, a grim increase of 49% compared to just five years prior.
UN Special Rapporteur on internally displaced persons’ human rights, Paula Gaviria Betancur, delivered this sobering statistic to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday.
Natural disasters further compounded the displacement crisis, with an additional 7.7 million people forced from their homes by floods, earthquakes, and other catastrophes by year’s end.
“Every year, the number of internally displaced persons globally reaches a record high,” Betancur said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The report painted a bleak picture of displacement hotspots around the world.
The conflict in Gaza has displaced nearly 83% of the population, with over 70% of homes destroyed.
Sudan grapples with a staggering 9.9 million internally displaced people, while escalating violence in Haiti has led to a record-breaking 600,000 displacements in 2024 alone.
Despite the dire circumstances, a glimmer of hope emerged from Mozambique.
The country made significant progress in addressing displacement caused by both conflict and climate emergencies.
Over 1.2 million internally displaced persons were able to return home in 2023, with additional displacements caused by militant attacks being managed.
However, Betancur emphasized the ongoing vulnerability of displaced populations, particularly those residing in fragile states susceptible to climate change.
She urged countries to prioritize disaster risk reduction strategies, including planned relocations as a last resort, implemented with strong legal frameworks and adequate funding.
