UNHCR warns: 120 million people displaced by conflicts

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has revealed alarming data about the crisis of displaced people in the world, indicating that currently 120 million people are far from their homes due to conflicts, violence, and persecution, representing an 8% increase compared to the previous year and marking a historical peak in the organization's records. The figures show that every minute, at least 20 people are forced to leave everything behind in search of safety and stability due to conflicts that plague various regions of the planet. Of these displaced people, 40% are minors, highlighting the vulnerability of a large part of the population affected by this humanitarian crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has urged the international community to act urgently to address the root causes of forced displacement, emphasizing the need to take concrete measures to assist those in extreme vulnerability. On World Refugee Day, the importance of honoring the strength and courage of those who have had to leave their homes in search of safety has been highlighted. Syria remains the epicenter of one of the largest refugee crises, with 13.8 million people displaced due to the civil war that has been bleeding the country for over a decade. On the other hand, the UNHCR report highlights the impact of the civil war in Sudan, which has caused the displacement of nearly 11 million people, as well as the situation in Afghanistan, with over 6.4 million people seeking a better life following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. In Latin America, the migration crisis in Venezuela has led more than 7 million people to leave the country due to the economic and political collapse under President Nicolás Maduro's leadership. These data demonstrate the complexity of a crisis that affects the entire region and has generated an unprecedented migratory flow. According to William Spindler, UNHCR spokesperson in Geneva, the majority of displaced Venezuelans are in Latin American countries, with Colombia, the United States, Spain, and Ecuador being the most frequent destinations. Despite the magnitude of the crisis, many of these migrants have been well received in host countries and have managed to integrate positively into their new communities. In the global context, the war in Ukraine has displaced 6 million people, while in Gaza, up to 1.7 million residents have had to flee their homes due to violence in the region. These data reveal the magnitude of a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people worldwide and requiring an urgent response from the international community. In conclusion, the global refugee crisis continues to increase, with historical figures reflecting the seriousness of the situation. It is essential for governments, international organizations, and society as a whole to work together to provide assistance and protection to those in situations of forced displacement, ensuring their human rights and dignity amid an unprecedented crisis.