The number of refugees in the world today is staggering and historic with 120 million have been forcibly displaced to escape conflict, persecution, or because of the impact of natural disasters.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the United States Agency for International Development USAID Acting Spokesperson, Shejal Pulivarti to mark the World Refugee Day, June 20.
The Agency said on this Day, it solemnly recognize the devastating impact on all who have been driven from their homes by conflict, insecurity, and natural disaster.
It added that the causes of forced displacement are numerous and complex – ranging from conflict to economic collapse to climate change, but the impacts on the most vulnerable are dire.
According to the Agency, “From Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 to outbreak of Sudan fighting in 2023, conflict remains primary driver of displacement and alarming rise of food insecurity, particularly among refugees and the most vulnerable.
“This year, Sudan has become the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 9 million people forced to flee their homes since conflict erupted more than a year ago.
“Every person facing threats – no matter who they are or where they come from – has the right to seek safety and to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion”, the Agency said.
“USAID is the largest donor of emergency food aid to refugees globally, reaching tens of millions of people in 32 countries last year alone”, it said.
USAID also addressed the needs of the communities that host refugee populations by providing livelihood support, promoting resilience in face of economic, agricultural challenges brought by climate shocks, so that they can help others in times of need.
“Together with our colleagues at the U.S. Department of State, we work to reach millions of forcibly displaced people with life-saving aid while empowering them with tools to rebuild their lives.
Today, and everyday, we stand with the millions of refugees around the world, and the host countries and communities that support them”, the Agency concluded.
According to the statement released by the States Department stating that the United States is committed to standing with the millions of refugees worldwide who’ve been forced to flee violence, persecution, thanked generous host communities, humanitarian partners, and private sponsors that support them.
The United State said in FY 2024, it has dated to welcomed over 65,000 refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and is on track to welcome the most refugees in a single year in the modern history of the program.
It noted the significant positive political, social, and economic contributions the refugees made to their host and resettlement communities around the world. “In United States, refugees contributed almost $124 billion to the growth of the U.S. economy from 2005-2019.
“This year, the Administration has continued efforts to rebuild and strengthen USRAP with unwavering support of partners, including resettlement agencies, resettlement support centers, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
“Americans throughout the United States have stepped up to do what Americans do best, showing our hospitality to newcomers. Through the Welcome Corps, the USRAP’s private sponsorship program.
“More than 87,000 Americans in in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have joined together to form sponsorship groups, signing up to welcome refugees into their communities, schools, workplaces, and homes.
“We also launched the Safe Mobility Initiative, which during the past year has approved more than 30,000 refugees from South and Central America to resettle in communities across the United States, Canada, and Spain.
“As a result of the Administration’s ongoing diplomacy and assistance, refugees’ve been able to integrate in host communities around the world and access services, information, and other support to find safety and stability for their families where they are instead of undertaking dangerous journeys to other countries”.
The United States as a global leader in international humanitarian response, through Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, coordinates with governments, multilateral partners, and the private sector to support refugees, provide life-saving humanitarian assistance and protection for the most vulnerable.
“Responsibility sharing is essential to meet humanitarian needs so that all people can live with hope and dignity. No single country can respond alone, and no country is untouched by the impacts of forced displacement.
The United States vowed to stand together with its partners and refugee communities on this day to honor and support forcibly displaced people around the world.