UN calls for urgent action as global displacement crisis reaches 123 million

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has called for urgent global action as the number of people forcibly displaced reaches 123 million, amid brutal conflicts in Sudan, Lebanon and other areas compelling more displacement.

In a statement, Grandi highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation unfolding in Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes have caused massive civilian casualties, besides serious damage to the infrastructure in Lebanon, including schools, hospitals and roads.

Sudan has been seeing a brutal internal conflict for 18 months. The fighting involves the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The situation has reached critical levels as more than 11 million people have been displaced already.

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Filippo Grandi calls for continued international solidarity

In the statement, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees expressed particular concern about the trend of governments implementing restrictive measures that focus on border controls and attempt to “outsource, externalise or suspend asylum.”

He called for a better approach to addressing displacement, urgent global leaders to look beyond border control and instead focus on “entire displacement routes”. He also encouraged Member States to expand legal stay and regularisation programmes.

Grandi addressed funding challenges, highlighting that the UN refugee agency has been facing serious financial constraints – and had to reduce 1,000 positions and freeze crucial activities. He emphasised the need for continued international solidarity.