The ‘Global Report on Internal Displacement 2020’ has brought to light the grim reality of global internal displacement. Published by the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), the report unfolds a narrative of 50.8 million people across the globe being displaced within their own country due to conflict, violence, and disasters by the end of 2019. This article delves into the details of the report, unveiling the critical figures and the countries most affected.
Displacement Stemming from Conflict
Conflicts have plagued all regions contributing to the displacement of people, but certain nations bear a heavier burden than others. According to the report, a massive 45.7 million people were displaced due to conflict and violence in 2019. A staggering three-quarters or 34.5 million of these displaced individuals resided within only 10 countries.
The top five countries grappling with the highest displacement due to conflict and violence include Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Afghanistan.
Displacement Owing to Disasters
Close to 1,900 disasters triggered 24.9 million new displacements across 140 countries and territories in 2019, marking the highest figure since 2012. Out of this number, 23.9 million displacements were weather-related, indicative of the growing threat posed by climate change. A significant portion of this displacement occurred in the form of pre-emptive evacuations to ensure safety.
Efforts Towards Preventing and Responding to Displacement
Some countries have made strides towards improving their policy frameworks on internal displacement. Specimens include Niger and Somalia. Meanwhile, nations like Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines have incorporated displacement concerns into their development plans, Sustainable Development Goals reports, or updated risk management strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
An innovative approach was adopted in the Philippines, where official monitoring of disaster displacement was combined with mobile phone tracking data and social media analysis. This combination led to better planning for shelters, reconstruction, and long-term urban recovery.
Internal Displacement Data for India
Alarming statistics have emerged for India, with nearly five million people being displaced in 2019 – the highest globally. The reasons cited include increased hazard intensity, high population, and socio-economic vulnerability. More than 2.6 million people were displaced due to the Southwest Monsoon. The year 2019 saw the seventh warmest year since 1901, and the monsoon turned out to be the wettest in 25 years. The cyclones Fani and Bulbul also accounted for substantial displacements. Although evacuations saved lives, many evacuees faced prolonged displacement as their homes were severely damaged or destroyed. There were over 19,000 instances of conflicts and violence that contributed to the displacement. Political and electoral violence, especially in Tripura and West Bengal, displaced more than 7,600 people.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024