Spotlight on ‘internal refugees’
The number of internally displaced people is now twice that of refugees that have crossed international borders
Christian Aid is urging world leaders to provide more support for the 40.3 million people forced to flee their homes within their own countries due to violence and conflict.
New research reveals that the number of internally displaced people is now twice that of the number of refugees who have crossed international borders.
Rowan Williams, chair of Christian Aid, joined bishops from South Sudan and Nigeria to draw attention to these forgotten internal refugees just before Refugee Week (19-25 June).
He said: ‘There are over forty million people across the world who have been displaced from their homes due to conflict and violence, and seem to be all but forgotten by the international community.
‘Media coverage, political interest and even the humanitarian community have been focused on those who are actually crossing borders or travelling to wealthier countries; but the vast majority of “internal refugees” receive almost no attention or support.’
