The UN Refugee Agency expects 130 million to be forcible displaced or stateless by the end of 2024. Here is where help is needed most urgently:
Ukraine: Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, more than 6 million refugees have been recorded globally. 40% of their population requires humanitarian assistance in 2024. Saviano Abreu, OCHA’s Head of Communications and Spokesperson in Ukraine, explains from Kyiv, states:
“Even though there is less and less talk about Ukraine, the situation here in the country is becoming increasingly extreme. As the war ravages towns and villages close to the front line, humanitarian needs in these areas are reaching catastrophic levels.”
Afghanistan: Nearly 24 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian support in Afghanistan, the majority of whom are women and children. Now, millions of refugees face an uncertain future as they’ve been forced to return home. On their return to Afghanistan, one father pleads:
“I have a big family and I’m worried how I’m going to support them; how we can find a proper place to live. I’m finding it hard to find daily work.” (UNHRC)
Syria: After a decade of conflict, over half the Syrian population remains displaced, including 5 million refugees. Nearly the entire country lives in poverty, millions of whom are children in need, following conflict, natural disasters, and public health crises. A Syrian mother struggling to feed her children writes:
“We never have enough food. The house is full of hungry children. How would you say ‘no’ to a child when they ask for food. My husband and I used to cry every night when our children went to bed hungry. They were too thin, and we feared losing them.” (UNICEF)
Even after refugees reach a safe destination, finding shelter, food, medical assistance and acclimating to a new country is a challenge. WORLD REFUGEE DAY encourages us to lend a helping hand to those without homes, not only for their survival but to help them also realize their dreams.
