NEW YORK: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, in his address to the United Nations Security Council, revealed that 114 million people have been displaced by war, violence, and persecution.
He attributed the alarming increase largely to the failure of the international community to address the root causes and enforce compliance with international humanitarian law.
Grandi urged the Security Council to prioritize efforts to resolve conflicts and assist the millions of displaced individuals, emphasizing that there is still hope to prevent further suffering.
Grandi pointed out the lack of political solutions to forced displacement and noted that the situation has deteriorated since his last briefing. He highlighted the challenges faced by countries like Mozambique, which is grappling with climate emergencies, internal conflicts, and widespread displacement.
The situation in Gaza was also highlighted, with civilians suffering due to restricted humanitarian aid and ongoing conflict. Grandi called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and resumption of aid, emphasizing Israel’s obligation to prevent forced exodus under international law.
Regarding Syria, Grandi emphasized that millions of refugees remain displaced after 13 years of conflict. He criticized proposals to send refugees back to unsafe areas and highlighted the dire conditions they face upon return, as highlighted by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Grandi also brought focus to the dire situation in Myanmar, where renewed conflict has displaced over 1.5 million people, particularly affecting the Rohingya community who have faced persecution for decades.
In Sudan, underfunded aid operations struggle to cope with displacement and violence, while in Ukraine, civilians endure relentless attacks on infrastructure, leading to increased displacement within the country.
