War, violence, persecution, human rights violations and other factors caused nearly three million people to flee their homes last year, even though the Covid-19 crisis restricted movement worldwide, according to reports by the UN refugee agency.
In its Global Trends report published ahead of World Refugee Day, UNHCR said the world’s cumulative number of displaced people has risen to 82.4 million — a record high number and roughly the population of Germany.
The report also shows that nearly nine in 10 refugees (86 per cent) are hosted by countries neighbouring crisis areas and in poorer countries. The least developed countries provided safety to over a quarter (27%) of all those claiming asylum.
Scottish Refugee Council CEO Sabir Zazai said: “These figures are sobering and a stark reminder that European countries must work together to do more to resettle and support people seeking refugee protection. We also need to remember that behind these numbers are people just like you and I. Mums, dads, children, people with jobs and plans and hopes and dreams whose lives have been turned upside down by global conflicts.
“The last twelve months have been extremely difficult. But while most of us in Scotland spent the pandemic locked down in our homes and communities, nearly three million people had to leave the safety of their homes in a life or death search for protection.
“This World Refugee Day, as we reflect on these figures and all that has happened over the last year, we at Scottish Refugee Council pledge to continue our work to support people seeking safety in Scotland and to continue to push the UK government to step up to and honour its commitments under the UN Convention. We hope international governments will also use this day to reflect on refugee contributions and the creativity, innovation and development that follows in nations who open doors to people feeling conflicts.”
