Displaced people

Displaced persons

Nature

A displaced person is any person who has been obliged to migrate within the national territory, or even beyond it, abandoning his place of residence or his customary occupation, because his life, person or freedom has been jeopardized or is threatened owing to the existence of any of the following situations: internal armed conflict, internal disturbances or tensions, widespread violence, massive violations of human rights, natural or man-made disasters, or other circumstances originating from social and developmental processes and other situations liable drastically to disturb public order.

Incidence

In the first five months of civil war in Sudan in 2023, 7.1 million had been displaced in their own land. According to the International Office of Migration, that represents “the highest [number] of any internally displaced population in the world, including Syria, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo”.

By the end of 1992, more than 1.5 million people had been displaced by the war in Bosnia, including an estimated one-half of the Muslim population.

In 2017 there was the highest numbers of displaced people in history. Over 28,000 people are forced to flee their homes because of conflict or persecution every day. That’s nearly 20 people every minute.

Claim

Displaced people represent one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. Millions are uprooted by conflict, persecution, and climate change, facing unimaginable hardships. Their plight demands urgent global attention and action. Ignoring this issue not only violates basic human rights but also destabilizes regions and threatens global security. We must prioritize the needs of displaced individuals, ensuring they receive protection, support, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Humanity's conscience depends on it.

Counter-claim

While the plight of displaced people is often highlighted, it is crucial to recognize that many nations face far more pressing issues, such as economic stability and infrastructure development. Focusing on displaced populations diverts attention and resources from these critical areas. Moreover, the complexities of migration often stem from political and social choices made by individuals and governments. Thus, prioritizing displaced people distracts from addressing the root causes of instability and fosters dependency rather than sustainable solutions.