A high record number of people have been forcibly displaced globally.
The United Nations’ refugee agency says 68.5 million people have fled their home countries as of 2017.
A UNHCR’s report says the nearly 69 million people seeking refuge in other countries have fled wars and violence.
Some of those displaced also fled to avoid political persecution.
The increase in the refugee numbers is due to violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar, according to the UNHCR.
The agency says the biggest regional increase in refugee numbers, of more than 20% was in Africa.
The civil way in South Sudan has contributed significantly to this trend. One million people have been displaced in the East African country.
The UN reports that although 620,800 have fled DR Congo, the country also hosts 537,100 refugees. Many of these refugees fled violence in South Sudan.
Vital Statistics
- 5 million- Forcibly displaced worldwide
- 4 million refugees
- 9 million refugees under UNHCR’s mandate
- 4 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA’s mandate
- 85% hosted by developing regions
- 52 % of refugees are children
Source: Africafeeds.com
