Global Internal Migration Hits Record High of 83 Million
Record-breaking figure: Over 83 million individuals forced to flee homes globally, marking a new peak. - Record-breaking figure: Over 83 million people uprooted from their homes and living as internally displaced persons.
Here's the lowdown: the world now boasts a population of internally displaced individuals that rivals the number living in Germany. This figure, according to NGOs, skyrocketed due to conflicts in Sudan and the Gaza Strip, plus massive hurricanes in the USA. Check out this eye-opening stat - the global total climbed by a whopping 50% over the past six years, hitting a staggering 75.9 million by the end of '23.
But let's not forget, 90% of that total - a whopping 73.5 million folks - were displaced by good old-fashioned conflict and violence. That's an 80% jump since '18! Now, Sudan, which has been torn apart by civil war, saw a record-breaking 11.6 million internally displaced people.
Here's another jaw-dropper: natural disasters accounted for around ten million individuals - that's double the number five years ago! Nearly all of these disaster-triggered displacements can be traced back to weather-related events, many of which were turbocharged by climate change.
Guess where those disasters hit hardest? You got it, the USA! With hurricanes like "Helene" and "Milton" reeking havoc, eleven million folks were forced to flee their homes due to natural disasters, making up almost a quarter of the global total.
Alexandra Bilak, IDMC's director, put it bluntly: "Conflict, poverty, and climate team up to hit the most vulnerable the hardest." She went on to explain that the causes and effects of displacement often overlap, creating more complex crises and amplifying the struggles of the displaced.
IDMC, founded by the Norwegian Refugee Council in '98, offers a wake-up call: with 83 million individuals now displaced, it's high time for the world to pool resources and show some solidarity. IDMC chief Jan Egeland warned that cutting humanitarian aid inevitably leads to losing food, medicine, security, and hope for yet another displaced individual. In his view, the lack of progress in alleviating global internal displacement is a moral stain on humanity.
- Natural Disasters
- Non-Governmental Organization
- Climate Change
- Exacerbation
- Record High
- NGO
- Sudan
- USA
- Climate
- Gaza Strip
Insight 1: Record high figures and trends
In 2024, the global number of internally displaced people (IDPs) reached an all-time high of 83.4 million[1]. The total has been steadily climbing, with 73.5 million displaced due to conflict and violence, and 9.8 million due to disasters[2]. The increase in disaster-related displacements has led to a record number since 2008[3].
Insight 2: Major causes of displacement
Conflict and violence, especially in regions like Africa and the Middle East, continue to drive displacements, with 20.1 million people displaced as of '24[4]. Climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, have also increased displacement due to their exacerbating effects[5]. Poverty and lack of infrastructure further accentuate vulnerabilities to both conflicts and disasters[6].
Insight 3: Impacts of displacement
Internal displacement puts a strain on local resources, increasing poverty and inequality. It also hinders economic growth and development by displacing skilled workers and disrupting economies. Socially, IDPs often face social isolation, lack of access to basic services, and increased vulnerability to exploitation[7].
Insight 4: Country-specific challenges
Sudan struggles with ongoing conflicts, particularly in Darfur and other regions, leading to a large number of IDPs who struggle to access basic services and safety. The country also experiences seasonal floods, adding to its humanitarian woes. Meanwhile, the USA confronts internal displacement due to climate-related disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, with instances like those in Florida and California forcing thousands of people to flee their homes[8].
Insight 5: A comprehensive approach
Effectively addressing global internal displacement requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses humanitarian responses, development strategies, and climate action. Showing solidarity, as called for by IDMC director, is crucial in mitigating the ongoing displacement crisis and the complexities faced by the displaced[9].
Footnotes:
[1] https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/internal-displacement[2] https://www.mappingcrisis.org/[3] https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/internal-displacement[4] https://www.acleddata.com/[5] https://reliefweb.int/report/world/gglobal-report-internal-displacement-2023[6] https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/sudan[7] https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/[8] https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Sudan/United-States/Disasters[9] https://www.idmc.ch/
- The record-breaking number of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) reached 83.4 million in 2024, with a significant increase in displacements due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes in the USA, which triggered the displacement of nearly ten million people, accounting for almost a quarter of the global total.
- The science behind natural disasters reveals a connection to climate change, as extreme weather events, like those in the USA, have been increasingly exacerbated by climate change, leading to a rise in displacements.
- To effectively address global internal displacement and evoke solidarity, the international community should take a comprehensive approach encompassing humanitarian responses, development strategies, and climate action, as suggested by the Director of IDMC (International Displacement Monitoring Centre) and IDMC's founder, Jan Egeland.
