The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) around the world is the “worst in a generation” according to a new report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
A record-breaking 38 million have been displaced within their own country by conflict or violence. Iraq, South Sudan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria had the most newly displaced people. It is the third year in a row that IDP figures have reached a record high.
“These are the worst figures for forced displacement in a generation, signalling our complete failure to protect innocent civilians,” said Jan Egeland, the NRC’s Secretary General. He added that the battle had been lost against “ruthless armed men who are driven by political or religious interests rather than human imperatives”.
The report states that a soaring global population, rising inequality and competition for resources leave religious minorities particularly vulnerable to targeted attacks and displacement.
Source: BBC
