2020 is the eighth consecutive year that the number of displaced people has continued to increase. One per cent of humanity is facing an unprecedented level of forced displacement ever recorded. Approximately 45.7 million are internally displaced people, 26 million are refugees and 4.2 million are asylum seekers fleeing disasters, climate change, environmental issues, conflicts, persecution and human rights violations of all forms.
Either most are internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their home countries or about 80% of those displaced tend to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Overburdened developing countries face repercussions when political authorities shut doors for displaced persons. In such situations, it is underestimated how local people support the displaced. Often it is the vulnerable, disadvantaged communities and IDPs that end up hosting refugees and displaced people. Hosting isn’t limited to providing resources but also includes being a liaison, creating support structures, sharing livelihood opportunities and pursuing ways to enhance the overall wellbeing.
Empathy, resilience, care, hope and strength drive us even when despair, discrimination, struggle and fear might dominate. We believe all persons have the agency to transform their own stories, narratives, spaces and to empower others.
