DO NOT IGNORE PLIGHT OF DISPLACED PEOPLE

More than 40 million people ARE DISPLACED By Conlict AND Another 25 million annually by disaster within the borders of their own countries, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The numbers not only startle but also indicate the need for collective and effective global action to tackle the root causes of internal displacements.

To compound the worry, children, on average, make up over half those numbers.

Internally displaced people (IDP) is a label given to those who remain In THEIR Homeland, As opposed to REFUGEES, who LEE Across borders.

“In 1998, internal displacement was recognised as one of the world’s greatest tragedies and 20 years later, it still is,” as William Lacy Swing, head of IOM, points out.

Unfortunately, the number of internally displaced people has nearly doubled in two decades due to ongoing new displacements, a lack of solutions for those being left behind in protracted crises and A CHRONIC shortfall of Almost 50 per Cent of FUNDING NEEDED to meet basic humanitarian needs.

Thus, the daily tragedy of internal displacement continues for millions of people around the globe.

THE Syrian Conlict HAS LED to more than 6.1 million Internally displaced people, with more than 13 million people inside the country requiring humanitarian assistance, including nearly six million children.

In IDLIB Province Alone, some 1.5 million people ARE SAID to BE displaced in various locations, making it “the biggest refugee camp in many ways.”

The agony of the world’s most persecuted community, the Rohingya in Myanmar, cannot be ignored. Over 400,000 Rohingya Muslims still living in Rakhine State continue to face a life of hardship and marginalisation due to movement restrictions.

These restrictions severely compromise their rights and obstruct their access to health, livelihood, education and other essential services.

About 2.2 million people became internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year alone, nearly doubling the total number of Internally DISPLACED people to 4.5 million.

Internal displacement is a serious issue, but the phenomenon has largely been neglected.

It should not reach a situation where insecurity and hopelessness set in the minds of displaced persons. It is the duty of the rest of humanity to wake up and extend a helping hand.

The victims face a desperate humanitarian situation. The international community should initiate action to alleviate the suffering of millions of men, women and children who get trapped In Conlict zones Around THE world. ■■■