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The memories of surviving Hurricane Maria still haunt people in Puerto Rico, four years after the storm wreaked havoc on the U.S. territory on Sept. 20, 2017.

There are reminders of the destruction, with thousands of homes, many of them still covered with blue tarps, yet to be fixed. Constant power outages remind Puerto Ricans that essential work to modernize the antiquated electric grid decimated by Maria has not yet begun. Deteriorating school buildings, roads, bridges and even health care facilities point to a slow reconstruction process that has not yet picked up its pace.

A new analysis by the Center for a New Economy, a Puerto Rico-based nonpartisan think tank, argues that rebuilding after the hurricane is just one of three "systemic shocks" - along with the Covid-19 pandemic and the decadelong financial crisis - that is challenging Puerto Rico.

Regarding reconstruction, some of the most important work, which includes "undertaking mitigation activities to increase resiliency and reduce the risk exposure of vulnerable populations - has not yet begun," according to the analysis.

"If a hurricane today, category one, hits the island, it will not survive. The power grid will not survive," Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., said during a press conference Monday hosted by the Hispanic Federation to remember the roughly 3,000 lives that were lost to Hurricane Maria.

"Puerto Ricans are experiencing blackouts almost daily and every single one of those blackouts takes them back to that unforgettable dawn of September, 2017," said the congresswoman of Puerto Rican descent. "Thousands of houses with blue tarps. That is happening in America."

Hurricane Maria left $90 billion in damages and Congress allocated at least $63 billion for disaster relief and recovery operations. Four years later, about 71 percent of those funds have not reached communities on the island archipelago. Puerto Rico has received about $18 billion, according to FEMA's Recovery Support Function Leadership Group.

"As we invest in upgrading and modernizing our American infrastructure system, we have to make sure that we do it everywhere, in every community," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said in the press conference alongside Velázquez. "That starts with ensuring that Puerto Rico's needs are included in the build back better agenda, and that our infrastructure investments meet the greatest need."

The Fiscal Oversight and Management Board overseeing Puerto Rico's finances has said the remaining bulk of the reconstruction aid is scheduled to be disbursed after fiscal year 2025, according to Sergio Marxuach, CNE's policy director and author of the analysis.

Created during the Obama administration under the 2016 Promesa law, the federal fiscal board is responsible for restructuring Puerto Rico's $72 billion public debt after U.S. laws arbitrarily excluded the U.S. territory from the federal bankruptcy code. It's resulted in tough austerity measures as Puerto Rico is trying to jump-start its economic growth.

The precarious financial situation became more complicated as compounding crises such as a series of destructive earthquakes early in 2020 followed by the Covid-19 pandemic made life harder for the 3.2 million Puerto Ricans living in the territory.

So far, Puerto Rico has made up for about two-thirds of the loss in economic activity that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic. But Marxuach said it is important to remain cautious about the relatively quick recovery, since it's largely attributed to a recent injection of pandemic-related federal aid.

"It is worrisome that economic growth in the short term depends mostly on receiving federal transfers that we do not control," Marxuach stated in the report. "We worry that these expenditures will have a temporary positive impact on the economy that may set back efforts to develop a medium/long-term economic strategy or plan for Puerto Rico."

Puerto Rico is projected to receive $43.5 billion in federal assistance related to Covid-19 by fiscal year 2023, according to the Fiscal Oversight and Management Board.

Power 4 Puerto Rico, a coalition composed of stateside national organizations, is pushing for the federal government to tackle the structural factors impeding short-term and long-term recovery. They're calling for strengthening the U.S. territory's infrastructure, writing down its debt as part of the restructuring process and increasing transparency and accountability.

The coalition is urging President Joe Biden and his administration to address the issues he promised to undertake during his campaign.

According to an upcoming fact sheet written by Power 4 Puerto Rico and shown in advance to NBC News, Biden has made good on some campaign promises, including releasing previously stalled hurricane aid and reviving a White House Puerto Rico task force to advance rebuilding efforts on the island.

But he has yet to order a review of the federal fiscal board's fiscal austerity policy, which he pledged to do, as well as support an audit of Puerto Rico's debt and ensure that recovery funds benefit local businesses.

The federal fiscal board is promoting structural reforms for Puerto Rico in key areas such as social welfare, energy, and ease of doing business, "which it estimates will have a cumulative positive impact equal to .75% of GNP by fiscal year 2026," Marxuach said in the report.

But Marxuach points out "it's unclear, though, whether the government of Puerto Rico has the capability to implement these policies" and whether they'll have the economic impact forecasted by the board.

"We need the resources to build houses, build roads, give services, rebuild the health system," Rafael "Tatito" Hernández, speaker of Puerto Rico's local legislature, said during the Monday press conference. "How are we going to work, if we don't have the certainty...We don't know if we're going to have power in our home when we come back from work."

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Puerto Rico's progress still stalled four years after Maria

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The memories of surviving Hurricane Maria still haunt people in Puerto Rico, four years after the storm wreaked havoc on the U.S. territory on Sept. 20, 2017. There are reminders of the destruction, with thousands of homes, many of them still covered with blue tarps, yet to be fixed.

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PERSPECTIVE: Water Risks Threaten to Derail Vietnam’s Economic Success

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Depletion and pollution of Vietnam’s water supplies are hurting the country now, and could cause economic losses up to 6 percent by 2035.

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PERSPECTIVE: Water Risks Threaten to Derail Vietnam’s Economic Success

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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The North of Central America suffers from violence as a result of gangs and other organized crime. This is the main driver of forced displacement in the region. Through the year we anticipate UNHCR will help accommodate 10,000 people of concern, support 6,000 to access employment and 5,700 to receive legal assistance.

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Unusually heavy rains. Toxic smog. A poisoned river in the capital New Delhi. India's rapid development has left it with many environmental challenges, on top of erratic weather from climate change.

RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:

As global representatives from around the world meet in Glasgow to try and address climate change, a crisis is playing out in real time in India. Erratic rains, deadly floods, toxic smog, poisoned rivers - these all might sound like cautionary tales about what could happen if the world doesn't react quickly to climate change. But again, this is actually happening right now in India. The country's rapid development has left it with a wide range of environmental challenges made worse by global warming. We've got NPR correspondent in Mumbai, India, Lauren Frayer with us. Lauren, good morning.

LAUREN FRAYER, BYLINE: Good morning.

MARTIN: So - I mean, just say more about all of this totally extreme weather. What's going on?

FRAYER: Well, right now, huge swaths of Chennai, a big city, population about 10 million, is underwater. Buses are submerged. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes. You know, it's normal for cities like Chennai to get monsoon rains at this time of year. But what's not normal is the volume this time. And it's just one of many environmental crises India is juggling this week. I mean, look at the north of India next.

MARTIN: So what's happening in the north?

FRAYER: So the Yamuna River in New Delhi today is coated with toxic foam. This is something that happens as India develops. Its rivers are filling with industrial waste. In this case, it's ammonia. Literally, poison foam is bubbling up from the water. This is a river that's considered holy to Hindus. People still bathe in it. Lots of them get sick. They also get sick from breathing the air. The Taj Mahal, the country's most famous monument, is basically invisible today from afar because it's shrouded in smog, and this is from industrial and vehicular emissions, basically from burning fossil fuels, which exacerbates climate change.

MARTIN: Oh, yeah. That's a grim picture. It sounds, you know, like, apocalyptic almost.

FRAYER: It is. I talked this morning with Sherry Frosh. She's a suburban Delhi mom who's part of a group called Warrior Moms. They campaign for clean air.

SHERRY FROSH: We live in a dystopian nightmare, which, I mean, you know, we see these bad movies about how people are living in these gray cities and people are choking and they can't survive. And we're living in that right now.

FRAYER: And she's keeping her kids home from school today because of the air quality, which is four times the safe limit.

MARTIN: So Indians must be paying attention to what's going on in Glasgow, Scotland - right? - with the global climate summit.

FRAYER: Yeah.

MARTIN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a big promise there, setting a date to cut Indians' net emissions down to zero. I mean, what's the reaction to that? Is that going to be enough?

FRAYER: So he's pledged to get the ball rolling to do that by 2070. That's 20 years after the U.S., 10 years after China. And it's later because Indian officials say they deserve time to develop. I mean, any abrupt shift to renewables here would probably hurt economic growth, and that can literally cost lives in a poor country like India.

I spoke this morning, also, with Suruchi Bhadwal. She's an Indian climate change expert. I actually caught her by phone at the COP26 in Glasgow. And she said, you know, yes, India needs to develop, but it's actually hitting a wall doing that because of climate change. Take the flooding this week in Chennai, for example.

SURUCHI BHADWAL: On one hand, we are talking about changes in the rainfall patterns and heavy precipitation incidences. On the other hand, it's about development also and maldevelopment, where we choked our drainage system. There's no place for the water to drain out.

FRAYER: And she says most Indian cities are examples of this. Urbanization has actually exacerbated the effects of climate change here.

MARTIN: NPR's Lauren Frayer reporting from Mumbai. Lauren, thank you.

FRAYER: You're welcome.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUDD AND POLLARD'S "MAWSON'S WALK")

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India's environmental issues have been made worse by global warming

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Unusually heavy rains. Toxic smog. A poisoned river in the capital New Delhi. India's rapid development has left it with many environmental challenges, on top of erratic weather from climate change.

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290 million Indians live below the international poverty line of $1.25 per day.¹

These low-income populations bear the brunt of the problems caused by the changing climate. Therefore, there is a great need for a pathway to development that is sustainable and resilient to climate change.

Since 2009, EDF has been working on the ground with our partner, the Fair Climate Network (FCN), one of the largest networks of NGOs in India, to facilitate low-carbon rural development, educate business and political leaders, and engage local communities.

Together, we are working to move India toward a sustainable development pathway while alleviating poverty, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and delivering social, health and environmental gains.

Low-carbon Rural Development

2/3 of Indians live in rural areas on small farms with little or no access to electricity.²

The impacts of climate change - such as drought and pollution - have the potential to devastate lands that these rural farmers rely on for their livelihoods.

70% of the population uses stoves that burn firewood and dung.

These stoves release smoke into Indian homes contributing to greenhouse gas pollution and putting the villagers at risk of diseases including lung cancer and pneumonia.

Our strategy, "low-carbon rural development," can lift millions of people in India's countryside out of poverty while also addressing climate change and food and energy security.

Activities include:

Installing household and community biogas units to power clean-burning methane stoves;

Replacing conventional wood-burning stoves with more efficient ones;

Providing solar-powered lighting; and

Promoting scientifically and economically sound climate-smart farming techniques through use of information technology (IT) platforms like smart-phone apps.

Groundbreaking research

As we seek to implement low carbon farming programs in-country, with partners, EDF has been conducting fundamental research to study climate impacts of different farming practices in India since 2011. Our latest study on climate impacts of rice, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found nitrous oxide emissions from rice farms are underestimated not only in India, but worldwide. We will use the study's findings to promote rice irrigation techniques that better control both nitrous oxide and methane.

Investments drive action

India is hungry for rapid growth. We can channel this hunger into supporting climate-resilient development and facilitating innovative partnerships between corporations, local and national government, and community groups. EDF and its partners work to spread awareness and advance programs that deliver economic development while also addressing climate mitigation and adaptation. Some examples of how EDF works with different types of partners include:

Corporate: In 2018, EDF formally started the journey of working with Mahindra & Mahindra, India's leading manufacturer of utility vehicles and part of the $20.7 billion Mahindra Group, to meet their commitment to become a carbon neutral company by 2040.

Government: To promote climate resilience at the national level, EDF helped set up the South Asia office of Climate Parliament, a cross-party network of legislators dedicated to stopping climate change and increasing national ambition for renewable energy.

Community: EDF and The Hunger Project produced a Bollywood style film, Aarohan - A New Beginning, to highlight the challenges rural communities face from climate change. This film is used as a training tool to spark discussions on climate change, its impacts, and what communities can do about it.

Youth take on climate change

India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, about two-thirds of its population is under the age of 35. For meaningful long-term change to take place, conversations on climate change must include youth voices. That is why EDF worked with talented young leaders to set up the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) which is India's largest youth network on climate change and has local chapters across the country.

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India: Development while fighting climate change

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290 million Indians live below the international poverty line of $1.25 per day.1 These low-income populations bear the brunt of the problems caused by the changing climate. Therefore, there is a great need for a pathway to development that is sustainable and resilient to climate change.

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Our aid and experts are ready for rapid deployment across the world. We can launch an emergency operation within 72 hours, thanks to a global network of suppliers, specialist agencies and partners.

Our humanitarian response is growing faster and more effective with the introduction of a new emergency policy that simplifies internal procedures and makes it easier to mobilize human, material and financial resources. It provides for new rosters of specialists on standby, speedier release of emergency funds, prepositioned relief material and accelerated selection of staff and partners. The new policy also emphasizes the importance of early engagement with development actors and the pursuit of solutions from the onset of a crisis.

The policy also sharpens the focus on risk analysis and preparedness before a crisis erupts. Additionally, we contribute to inter-agency initiatives to enhance early warning and preparedness.

To maintain our capacity for emergencies, we have developed regular training programmes such as the Workshop on Emergency Management, which prepares volunteers listed on our Emergency Response Team rosters for deployment to humanitarian crises on short notice. This week-long exercise is held three to four times a year for up to 40 people and focuses on team-building, operations planning, communication and negotiation skills and security.

UNHCR's eCentre in Bangkok also helps to improve emergency preparedness and response in the Asia-Pacific region through capacity-building.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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Our humanitarian response is growing faster and more effective with the introduction of a new emergency policy that simplifies internal procedures and makes it easier to mobilize human, material and financial resources. It provides for new rosters of specialists on standby, speedier release of emergency funds, prepositioned relief material and accelerated selection of staff and partners.

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Services Provided my Ms. Kolker's Organization

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Services Provided my Ms. Kolker's Organization

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Where are refugees and asylum seekers coming from?  

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Where are refugees and asylum seekers coming from?  

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The most recent Afghan population are not yet refugees.

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Know How: UNHCR expert on climate change and forced displacement

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Climate refugees: The quest for a haven from extreme weather events

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Earth's warming and resulting natural disasters are creating a more dangerous world of desperate leaders and peoples, the Biden administration said Thursday in the federal government's starkest assessments yet of security and migration challenges facing the United States as the climate worsens.

The Defense Department for years has called climate change a threat to U.S. national security. But Thursday's reports by the departments of Defense and Homeland Security, National Security Council and Director of National Intelligence provide one of the government's deepest looks yet at the vast rippling effects on the world's stability and resulting heightened threats to U.S. security, as well as its impact on migration.

They include the first assessment by intelligence agencies on the impact of climate change, identifying 11 countries of greatest concern from Haiti to Afghanistan.

Another report, the first by the government focusing at length on climate and migration, recommends a number of steps, including monitoring the flows of people forced to leave their homes because of natural disasters, and working with Congress on a groundbreaking plan that would add droughts, floods and wildfires and other climate-related reasons to be considered in granting refugee status.

The climate migration assessments urge the creation of a task force to coordinate U.S. management of climate change and migration across government, from climate scientists to aid and security officials.

Each year, storms, the failure of seasonal rains and other sudden natural disasters force an average of 21.5 million people from their homes around the world, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees says. Worsening climate from the burning of coal and gas already is intensifying a range of disasters, from wildfires overrunning towns in California, rising seas overtaking island nations and drought-aggravated conflict in some parts of the world.

"Policy and programming efforts made today and in coming years will impact estimates of people moving due to climate-related factors," said the report, one of dozens of climate change assessments President Joe Biden ordered from federal agencies. "Tens of millions of people, however, are likely to be displaced over the next two to three decades due in large measure to climate change impacts."

The Biden administration is eager to show itself confronting the impacts of climate change ahead of a crucial U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, that starts late this month. That's especially so as Biden struggles to get lawmakers to agree to multibillion-dollar measures to slow climate change, a key part of his domestic agenda.

As part of its push Thursday, the administration released the first-ever national intelligence estimate on climate change, a document intended to signal the importance placed on the issue. National intelligence estimates are benchmark documents created by U.S. intelligence agencies that are intended to inform decision-making and analysis across the government.

Notably, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded it was probably already too late to keep the warming of the planet at or below the level laid out in the 2015 U.N. Paris climate accord. While that level remains the official goal for the United States and United Nations, many scientists have concluded the Earth's temperature will rise at least several more tenths of a degree, a level of warming that brings even more damage and threatens some nations' existence.

"Given current government policies and trends in technology development, we judge that collectively countries are unlikely to meet the Paris goals because high-emitting countries would have to make rapid progress toward decarbonizing their energy systems by transitioning away from fossil fuels within the next decade, whereas developing countries would need to rely on low-carbon energy sources for their economic development," the intelligence report said.

No nation offers asylum or other legal protections to people displaced specifically because of climate change. The United States has the opportunity to change that, which could prompt others to follow suit, refugee advocates said.

The administration said it is not seeking to change international agreements on refugees but rather create U.S. laws that would allow climate change effects to be part of a valid claim for refugee status.

It noted that activists persecuted for speaking out against government inaction on climate change may also have plausible claims to refugee status.

Ama Francis, who has been helping the International Refugee Assistance Project find ways to protect climate refugees, applauded the administration's recognition that global warming should be taken into account.

"That's a huge signal from the U.S. government that our refugee and asylum system can protect people right now, which is important because there are thousands of climate displaced people already on the move, including those showing up at the U.S. border," Francis said.

It's imperative the report turn into legislation that allows climate refugees the ability to resettle in the United States, and not just result in another task force, others said.

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of nine U.S. agencies working to resettle refugees, said action is needed because the current U.S. humanitarian protection system "wasn't engineered for cascading natural disasters, mass aridification or large swath of lands consumed by rising seas."

According to the separate intelligence assessment, a warming planet could increase geopolitical tensions particularly as poorer countries grapple with droughts, rising seas and other effects, while they wait for richer, higher-polluting countries to change their behavior. Climate change will "increasingly exacerbate risks to U.S. national security interests," according to the estimate.

The estimate identifies 11 countries of particular concern: Afghanistan, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iraq, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea and Pakistan. It also lists two regions of concern: Central Africa and small island states in the Pacific Ocean.

Strains on land and water could push countries further toward conflict. In South Asia, much of Pakistan relies on surface water from rivers originating in India. The two countries are nuclear-armed rivals that have fought several wars since their founding in 1947. On India's other side, about 10% of Bangladesh's 160 million people already live in coastal areas vulnerable to rising seas and saltwater intrusion.

Intelligence officials who spoke on condition of anonymity under agency rules said climate change could indirectly affect counterterrorism by pushing people seeking food and shelter to violent groups.

The intelligence community needs more scientific expertise and to integrate climate change into its analysis of other countries, the officials said.

Rising temperatures could force almost 3% of the populations of Latin America, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa - more than 143 million people - to move within their countries in the next 30 years, according to one forecast cited in the report.

____

Watson reported from San Diego. AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein contributed.

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US: More threats, more desperate refugees as climate warms

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Earth's warming and resulting natural disasters are creating a more dangerous world of desperate leaders and peoples, the Biden administration said Thursday in the federal government's starkest assessments yet of security and migration challenges facing the United States as the climate worsens.

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The Refugees The World Barely Pays Attention To

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They’re known as ‘climate refugees.’ But there’s not even an international definition for them, let alone recognition or protection.

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Climate Change

Migrant climate refugees seeking asylum from Honduras and Guatemala. Image: REUTERS/Adrees Latif

Senior Staff Writer and Editorial Writer, Kyodo News

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Climate refugees - the world's forgotten victims

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Climate Change Migrant climate refugees seeking asylum from Honduras and Guatemala. Image: REUTERS/Adrees Latif Senior Staff Writer and Editorial Writer, Kyodo News Stay up to date: Climate Change Follow Five countries with the most new climate refugees in 2019 Image: IDMC Discover How has the World Economic Forum helped initiate a more effective response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises?

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Khulna, 2009: Off the coast of Bangladesh, 11-year-old Sufiya Khatan watched as Cyclone Aila relentlessly tore her village apart. Winds blowing faster than highway speed limits swept her mother to the ground, and her neighbors held on to precious family photos while their mud homes sank into the earth.

"Our entire Satkhira district was flooded," said Vaskar Mondol about the remote area where he resides. He's another victim of the nation's increasingly frequent natural disasters.

At just 9 years old, Mondol was forced to leave his house for a month when Aila ripped through and destroyed about 90% of the houses in his neighborhood, washing away couches, dining tables, bed frames and countless other items of domestic life. Citizens of his town were forced to restart their lives. Some didn't get the chance.

"Many old people, children and women drowned," Mondol said. In total, Aila killed 113 Bangladeshi people.

In 2013, another cyclone blew through, and the tragedy started to become routine. Over the next four years, calamity became an annual event. In 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, villagers' jolts of fear turned into passive, prolonged anguish. And this past May, Khatan and Mondol, who are now in their 20s, witnessed their community's devastation yet another time as Cyclone Yaas hit.

While these hurricane-like storms aren't new, the climate crisis has upped their severity and frequency, says Saleemul Huq, director of Bangladesh's International Centre for Climate Change and Development.

"We just look out the window or walk down the street in heavy rainfall, in knee-deep or waist-deep water, and we know it's happening."

Saleemul Huq | Director of Bangladesh's International Centre for Climate Change and Development

And it's not just cyclones devastating the South Asian country.

"Every year, [during] the monsoon period we have floods," Huq said. "Normal floods are fine, but every 20 years we get a big flood -- and now, in the last 20 years, we've had five of them."

Bangladesh, which has a population of over 166 million, has long been the global face of the nations most threatened by global warming. Sometimes called "ground zero" for climate change, the land -- especially its shore -- is imperiled due to its positioning between two main rivers, the Brahmaputra and Ganges. Many regions are prone to drought, too.

"Climate change, to us, does not need an IPCC report," Huq said, referring to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. "We just look out the window or walk down the street in heavy rainfall, in knee-deep or waist-deep water, and we know it's happening."

Bangladesh's status as a developing nation also means it doesn't have enough financial resources for protective or reparative measures. Houses in remote areas, many of which have mud or clay foundations because of those materials' cheaper costs, are prone to water damage and seawater salt retention to the point of becoming uninhabitable.

"It's a combination of geography, population and poverty," Huq said. About one-fifth of the population lives below the poverty line.

River embankments, meant to protect residents from such harm, are eroded with these now twice-yearly disasters. They often completely disappear.

"The water of the river enters and destroys our crop fields, which I think is a major cause of the food crisis," Mondol said. Last year, the United Nations World Food Programme announced that 25% of Bangladesh's population is food insecure and 32% of Bangladeshi children under the age of five suffer from stunting, a result of chronic malnutrition.

In 2020, Cyclone Amphan ravaged trees and buildings in the college student's hometown, leaving the area "absolutely destitute."

Richer countries, like the United States, have tried stepping up to help.

A hopeful promise, broken

During 2009's climate conference in Copenhagen, wealthy nations agreed to give poorer countries a total of $100 billion by 2020 to keep citizens safe. They also promised $100 billion for every year after that.

But instead of delivering on their word, these countries have since been arguing over fiscal allocation or, simply, who owes what. Meanwhile, poorer countries like Bangladesh are left to fend for themselves.

"It's already too late," Huq said. "2020 has come and gone, and they only delivered $79 billion. ... In 2021, it would be another $100 billion, but they're talking about the $100 billion as if it's a one-off $100 billion."

Even that $79 billion, Huq says, is the product of years of pleading. This past July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that "to rebuild trust, developed countries must clarify now how they will effectively deliver $100 billion in climate finance annually to the developing world, as was promised over a decade ago."

While $100 billion sounds like a lot, Huq notes that developing nations require much more if they are to succeed in combating climate change. "The needs are in the trillions," he says.

To make matters worse, wealthy nations are among the highest contributors to global carbon emissions. A recent report calculates the US' carbon emissions output to be the second highest in the world, at about 5 billion tons in 2021. Germany is No. 6 on the list, and the United Kingdom stands at 15. Bangladesh doesn't even make the top 20, but it's the citizens of such developing nations, like Mondol and Khatan, who are most impacted by the climate crisis.

In September, President Joe Biden pledged to double the amount the US will add to the $100 billion pool. But given the belabored efforts, for the last 10 years Bangladesh hasn't depended on international funds, Huq says.

"We created a climate change trust fund. Every year, the finance minister has been putting $100 million of our own money. And then in the last three years we created a climate budget."

Picking up the pieces

There's a bitter silver lining: Bangladesh is now recognized as a world leader in adapting to the consequences of climate change, including severe flooding and forest degradation.

"We moved significantly forward from simply ascertaining and declaring vulnerability, towards doing something about it," Huq said.

Huq has regularly attended international climate summits, including this year's COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. During 2015's Paris Accord meetings, held at the Le Bourget airport, he made a startling observation.

"People were seeing a big conference with flags of 200 countries flying. The Parisians who [were] going by obviously knew there was something big happening there, but most of the time, most of them probably had no clue what was going on," Huq said.

On the inside were private crews from Bangladesh that had traveled to Paris at their own expense. As global government representatives met about the state of the climate crisis, most people in Bangladesh were well aware of what was going as they earnestly followed the summit.

And since the Paris conference, Bangladeshi citizens have paid close attention to climate fluctuations, underlining their outstanding involvement in managing the detrimental impacts of global warming. For instance, Khatan was motivated to pursue a master's degree in disaster management and, like others in her community, she volunteers at an organization that helps deal with the ramifications of climate change. Mondol does too.

But even for a nation leading the charge, climate adaptation isn't without its challenges. Khatan emphasizes that the aftermath of evacuation isn't always a story of reprieve. "The government, and sometimes nongovernment NGOs, help [evacuees] to recover from this situation, but most people don't get these facilities," she said. "They either leave the place or migrate and take shelter in the city area."

Those shelters are located in city slums.

But the process of evacuation in general, Huq says, represents success for Bangladesh. "We can evacuate 3 million people so they will move out of the way," he said. "We still have huge damage, but we don't lose lives anymore."

After Cyclone Amphan, most of the thousands of people who evacuated the area weren't able to go home because their houses had washed away. Now they're now living in the slums of Dhaka and Khulna.

"But they didn't die," Huq said.

Climate change won't wait for political agreement

Though a lot can be done to face the forces of climate change, and so much already has been done in Bangladesh and other developing nations, Huq argues that we need global unity. This crisis is a human problem, Huq stresses, and not a political one.

"I think the paradigm shift that is taking place now is that everybody is vulnerable," Huq said. "Being rich doesn't make you immune. The poor may be poor, but they know a lot about dealing with adversity and problems."

To survive the catastrophes that climate change has unleashed on Bangladesh's financially struggling villages, residents formed a system that champions dependability.

Satellite images, warning systems that send out notifications about impending cyclones and other infrastructure have helped to prevent loss of life when a hurricane hits or extreme flooding occurs, but, Huq says, it's also largely people knowing what to do -- and simply helping each other.

Members of Khatan's community have become experts in responding to cyclone signals. A heartwarming aspect of that readiness to react is the role young people have taken in helping older individuals escape the headspace of helplessness. As Khatan puts it, "youth know the best in the present scenario."

"Every schoolkid knows what to do. They have regular rehearsals," Huq said. Children have assignments to save people from every household, particularly vulnerable households such as those sheltering widows and people with disabilities so "nobody gets left behind."

Khatan notes that most people don't want to leave their neighborhoods, their homes.

"Parents and grandparents don't like to evacuate," Huq said. "They'll say we've seen this before. We're not going to go. We're going to stay home. But they make them go."

With the encouragement of their peers who have gained their trust, everyone evacuates. Schoolchildren, volunteers and friends save one another's lives.

Bangladesh's story of vulnerability molding into determination illustrates how camaraderie can counterbalance the disasters of climate change. And if we magnify the resilient country's tenets, we'll also find a clear picture of why the promise of $100 billion per year shouldn't be seen as a favor, but rather a necessity.

"Nobody gets left behind."

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Climate crisis ravages Bangladesh as rich nations look away: 'It's already too late'

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Khulna, 2009: Off the coast of Bangladesh, 11-year-old Sufiya Khatan watched as Cyclone Aila relentlessly tore her village apart. Winds blowing faster than highway speed limits swept her mother to the ground, and her neighbors held on to precious family photos while their mud homes sank into the earth.

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Exodus: Refugees, in Their Own Words | PBS LearningMedia

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Explore why people are forced to leave their homeland through five compelling first-person stories in these videos excerpted from FRONTLINE: Exodus. Throughout history, people have sought freedom and economic opportunity in new places. Today, driven from home by war, oppression, and poverty, these refugees have joined thousands who undertake a perilous journey to face an uncertain future in a new land.

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2015 saw a record 11,000 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan.

Some 2.7 million Afghan refugees have fled mostly to neighboring Pakistan and Iran, but thousands have also risked the sea journey to Europe.

Afghanistan is the world's most dangerous country for aid workers.

The past year has been disastrous for Afghanistan as the country's civil war reignited. After almost 40 years of conflict stretching back to the Soviet invasion in 1979, Afghanistan is once again on the international emergency watch list.

As we mark the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, the event that precipitated the NATO-led effort to defeat Al Qaeda and the Taliban, here's what you need to know about the current situation in Afghanistan:

1. Civilian casualties hit a record in 2015.

The fighting in Afghanistan is far from over. Last year saw 11,000 civilian deaths and injuries (one in four have been children), a record set to be eclipsed this year, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission.

Violence across the country is escalating at an alarming rate. The Taliban, at their strongest since 2001, are leading insurgencies in volatile provinces such as Helmand in the south and Kunduz in the north. ISIS, a new foe, is securing its presence with the gruesome tactics employed in Syria and Iraq: a July suicide attack in Kabul, the nation's capital, killed 80 people and injured 231.

2. Afghans make up the world's second largest refugee population.

When the Taliban retreated in 2001, nearly 6 million Afghan refugees, the vast majority in exile for decades, voluntarily returned to Afghanistan. But as fighting resumed, 2.7 million Afghans have fled their homes, the largest group of refugees after Syrians.

Most Afghans seek safety in neighboring Pakistan and Iran, but many journey to Turkey to brave the sea crossing to Europe, where they are seen as "economic migrants" fleeing poverty rather than war and persecution. They thus remain ineligible for relocation and many wait interminably to apply for asylum.

Gulbagon*, 52, lost her husband to a Taliban attack and a daughter to a forced child marriage. She knows all too well that it is not only war pushing Afghans to leave. "There are attacks on women, she says. "There is child marriage. Men who protect the women are killed."

She fled to Turkey when a male relative tried to marry off her 13-year-old niece Masuma. Smugglers held Gulbagon and Masuma and other family members to ransom for forty days until they were finally freed. The family crossed the Aegean Sea to Greece where they remain in limbo.

3. Afghanistan is the world's deadliest country for aid workers.

Recent attacks against aid agencies in Afghanistan show how perilous the country has become for humanitarian workers. According to the 2016 Aid Worker Security Report, 101 were victims of major attacks last year, with kidnapping most prevalent.

"Violations of international humanitarian law continue by various parties to the conflict, making Afghanistan not only the world's most dangerous setting for humanitarian and medical workers, but perpetuating the suffering of a population that has suffered enough," IRC President and CEO David Miliband wrote in a commentary published by CNN.

4. We need to invest in better humanitarian aid.

A staggering 8 million Afghans are in need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance, a population greater than Paris, San Francisco and Los Angeles combined. This year's United Nations appeal, for a modest $339 million, is barely 40 percent funded.

Every Afghan in need receives just $16 a year. More efficient and effective forms of aid such as cash relief and locally led projects are desperately needed to allow Afghans to drive their own goals for the future from rehabilitating health care systems to building new schools.

September marks an important moment as global leaders and the United Nations convene to respond to the unparalleled worldwide refugee and displacement crisis.

The IRC is calling on the U.S. to double its current commitment and resettle a total of 140,000 refugees in 2017, and on the EU to commit to resettling 540,000 over the next five years.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Learn more
Read more about our work in Afghanistan.
Get involved
Help the IRC save refugee families in crisis.

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Afghanistan: What you need to know about one of the world's longest refugee crises

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2015 saw a record 11,000 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan. Some 2.7 million Afghan refugees have fled mostly to neighboring Pakistan and Iran, but thousands have also risked the sea journey to Europe. Afghanistan is the world's most dangerous country for aid workers.

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refugees

from CAR

Violence between armed groups has forced over half a million people to flee the Central African Republic.

655,000 IDPs

Thousands of people are displaced within CAR, often spending weeks hiding in the forests without food or water trying to reach safety.

543,000 in neighboring

countries

Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo host the majority of CAR's refugees.

Background

In 2013, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children fled their homes in the Central African Republic (CAR) in desperation, many seeking refuge in neighboring Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad. They arrived in dire condition, having walked for days with little water or food. Many refugees showed signs of brutal attacks and extreme malnutrition.

The years following the violence of 2013 brought a gradual transition towards peace and stability but chaos sparked in June 2016.

More than 1 million Central Africans have been forced to flee their homes - the highest level of displacement since violence broke out.

How to Help

In what is one of the most poorly funded emergency situations globally, many people lack even basic survival assistance. UNHCR needs help meeting the food, water, health and sanitation needs of refugees from CAR.

UNHCR commits to support voluntary repatriation of Central African refugees

A child from the Central African Republic waits for her mother at Bili refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Cameroon hosts 47 percent of CAR's refugees.

171,966 Central African refugees reside in camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

61% of Central African refugees in the DRC are children.

In 2017, over 18,000 Central Africans fled to Chad, making it the biggest influx of Central African refugees to Chad since 2014.

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Central African Republic Refugee Crisis | USA for UNHCR

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refugees from CAR Violence between armed groups has forced over half a million people to flee the Central African Republic. 655,000 IDPs Thousands of people are displaced within CAR, often spending weeks hiding in the forests without food or water trying to reach safety.

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Central American Refugee Crisis Explained

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Central American Refugee Crisis Explained

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Crime, extortion, threats and violence have forced more than 360,000 people to flee El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Many have fled to neighboring countries like Mexico and the United States is search of a safe place to live.
Here's What You Need to Know: 1. What are the countries of concern in Central America? 2. Why are people from Central America fleeing? 3. Why are women and LGBTI people at an increased risk? 4. What countries are welcoming refugees from Central America? 5. What is UNHCR doing to help people fleeing Central America? What are the countries of concern in Central America?
Central America is made up of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. But the three main countries of interest to UNHCR are often referred to as the "Northern Triangle": El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Violence in these three countries is spreading rapidly and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee.
Why are people from Central America fleeing?
Worsening crime and violence fueled by drug cartels and gangs has forced more than 366,000 people to flee their homes in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. More than 245,000 are internally displaced inside El Salvador and Honduras but fragile government systems are unable to protect them from the extortion, threats and gang violence they face on the streets. In addition, political persecution has also forced more than 70,000 Nicaraguans to flee the country since April 2018. Many of those who have fled are children. Escaping recruitment from gangs, many children travel alone.
Why are women and LGBTI people at an increased risk?
Gangs in Central America are not only forcibly recruiting young men, they are also exposing young women to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and forcing them into prostitution. Women, many of whom have already fallen victim to these acts of violence, are fleeing Central America in order to escape domestic violence and rape. People in Central America are also being persecuted and violently attacked because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. This has caused a surge in asylum applications from the LGBTI community over the last few years.
What countries are welcoming refugees from Central America?
Communities in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama have been doing their best to welcome those who have been forced to flee. Together they welcomed over 120,000 people in 2018 alone. With new policies to allow for the speedy integration of refugees into their new communities, thousands of people have been able to begin their lives anew.
What is UNHCR doing to help people fleeing Central America?
UNHCR is supporting safe space networks and shelters across Central America and Mexico so that immediate assistance is available to people on the move and so that those in need of international protection are identified. UNHCR is also assisting refugee-receiving countries by helping them establish fair and efficient refugee status determination procedures. In order to help refugees from Central America integrate into their new communities, UNHCR is providing livelihood trainings for refugees and working to curb xenophobia and promote peaceful coexistence among host-country populations.
People fleeing Central America need your help...
Monthly giving is the most convenient, effective and efficient way you can help people fleeing violence and persecution. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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Crime, extortion, threats and violence have forced more than 360,000 people to flee El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Many have fled to neighboring countries like Mexico and the United States is search of a safe place to live. Here's What You Need to Know: 1. What are the countries of concern in Central America?

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"I lost everything: my home, my flesh, my identity. My kids sleep on the floor."

Zainaba, widowed mother of four displaced in Bangui

Back in December 2013, hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes as violence spread in the Central African Republic (CAR), with armed groups controlling parts of the country. Today, CAR continues to experience sporadic surges of violence forcing over 623,400 CAR refugees to remain in neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of the Congo, with smaller numbers in Sudan and South Sudan. In addition to the refugees, 684,004 people have been forced to flee inside the country.

CAR had been experiencing a gradual transition towards peace and stability since late 2016, when both refugees and internally displaced people started to go back home. Now, insecurity is plaguing areas in the centre, northwest, east and south-east of CAR - some not previously affected by violence.

Thousands of people walk for weeks and hide in the forests in a desperate bid to escape, sometimes with nothing to eat or drink. Those who arrive at sites for the displaced have witnessed traumatic scenes of violence, and malnutrition rates have risen to serious levels.

In what is one of the most poorly funded emergency situations globally, many people lack even basic survival assistance. Food, health, shelter, and water and sanitation are all primary concerns for refugees living outside formal sites and for the communities hosting them.

What is UNHCR doing to help?

UNHCR is helping people affected by the violence and conflict. Inside CAR, UNHCR's focus remains on life-saving protection and assistance, distributing basic relief items to the newly displaced and new community shelters are being set up in response to the growing number of IDPs. In neighbouring countries, UNHCR and its partners continue to respond to new arrivals while building refugee's livelihoods and ability to sustain themselves.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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"I lost everything: my home, my flesh, my identity. My kids sleep on the floor." Zainaba, widowed mother of four displaced in Bangui Back in December 2013, hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes as violence spread in the Central African Republic (CAR), with armed groups controlling parts of the country.

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International Committee of the Red Cross

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Serious violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has led to mass displacement with many people finding themselves far from their homes and unable to grow their own food. This in turn has created a food crisis with new cases of acute malnutrition among children under five.

In the Kasai Region, over a million people have been displaced due to the fighting that has been going on for nearly two years. And according to the United Nations, more than 650,000 people have been forced to flee the violent clashes in Tanganyika Province.

Kyungu Mayaula is one of the people who fled from the fighting in Tanganyika Province. Together with his two wives and 12 children, they walked over 50 kilometres to escape the bloody communal violence. Desperate to meet his family's basic needs, he was forced to take more risks for their survival. These risks led spinal shock and a fractured arm when he fell from the top of a palm tree. Despite this, he refuses to return to his home village, fearing that the violence will start up again.

The extremely brutal clashes between groups, armed mainly with axes and machetes, has had very serious consequences for people of all ethnicities in the local population: many have been killed, wounded or traumatized, villages have been burned and fields destroyed and there has been massive population displacement.

The effects of this outburst of violence are still very visible today. The situation remains volatile and threatens to flare up again at any moment, preventing the displaced from going back to their villages and living a normal life.

The ICRC is concerned about this crisis. We provide medical care to the displaced and travel to the most affected villages to treat the ill among the victims of this violence, regardless of their ethnicity. We have also supported health centres in the Tanganyika region by repairing buildings and donating furniture, medicines and medical equipment.

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Displaced persons in Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Serious violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has led to mass displacement with many people finding themselves far from their homes and unable to grow their own food. This in turn has created a food crisis with new cases of acute malnutrition among children under five.

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second largest country in Africa and is both a major source of displaced people while also hosting several refugees from neighboring countries. The DRC currently hosts more than half a million refugees and five million internally displaced people (IDPs) - the largest IDP population in Africa.
Here's What You Need to Know: 1. Who is fleeing to the DRC? 2. What is causing internal displacement within the DRC? 3. Where are refugees from the DRC going? 4. How has the Ebola outbreak impacted refugees in the DRC?
5. Who is most vulnerable during this crisis? Who is fleeing to the DRC?
The DRC hosts over 527,000 refugees from neighboring countries. This primarily includes individuals from Rwanda, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Burundi. Over fifty-percent of these refugees are women and children .
What is causing internal displacement within the DRC?
In addition to the over half a million refugees living in the DRC, there are also 5 million people who have been internally displaced due to conflict in the country. Ever since the DRC won its independence in 1960, there has been ongoing fighting throughout the country. Despite the end of a civil war in 2003, violence continues to plague regions of the DRC and has forced millions to flee from their homes.
Where are refugees from the DRC going?
While millions have been forced to flee their homes but remain within the country, approximately one million people have fled to neighboring countries, such as Uganda, Southern Africa, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola. At the beginning of this year, nearly 400,000 Congolese have sought refuge in Uganda.

How has the Ebola outbreak impacted refugees in the DRC?
In addition to widespread violence from armed groups, many displaced people are facing major health risks. Since August 2018, the country has been battling the worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the country and the world's second largest in history. The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing outbreak a public health emergency of international concern with more than 3,300 confirmed cases of infection and 2,200 deaths. The eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, which are most affected by the outbreak, are also the areas most affected by displacement and violence.

UNHCR is scaling up its capacity to respond to the growing humanitarian needs. Refugees and IDPs are at a heightened risk in this situation because displacement can limit access to medicine and clean water, making the spread of disease more common. Some of UNHCR's primary efforts in the DRC include constructing emergency latrines, showers and garbage pits to aid sanitation efforts, as well as distributing medical resources, shelter, food and water.
Who is most vulnerable during this crisis?
The most vulnerable people during this crisis are women and children. Displacement increases a woman's risk to sexual and gender-based violence. For children, many lose access to education. While UNHCR works to integrate all displaced children within the DRC into a national education system, many of the schools still lack to resources necessary to effectively support the staff and students.
Millions in the DRC need your help...
UNHCR is on the ground providing lifesaving humanitarian support to millions of IDPs and refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, they need your help. Becoming a monthly donor is the most efficient and effective way to help those fleeing conflict. Make a difference in the lives of refugees by becoming USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo Refugee Crisis Explained | USA for UNHCR

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second largest country in Africa and is both a major source of displaced people while also hosting several refugees from neighboring countries. The DRC currently hosts more than half a million refugees and five million internally displaced people (IDPs) - the largest IDP population in Africa.

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Iraqi Refugee Crisis: Support Iraq Emergency Relief | USA for UNHCR

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The situation in Iraq is desperate. The needs are real. Millions of Iraqis have been forced to abandon their homes after decades of conflict and violence.

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Since 2014, more than 3 million Iraqis have been displaced within the country and another 260,000 have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. The vast majority - at least 1.5 million people - have sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where one in every four people is either a refugee or an internally displaced person.

Here's What You Need to Know:
1. When did the Iraqi refugee crisis begin? 2. Where are Iraqis fleeing to? 3. How are Iraqi children impacted by this crisis? 4. What are some of the biggest challenges Iraqis face? 5. How does winter weather impact Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)? When did the Iraqi refugee crisis begin?
The Iraqi refugee crisis is the result of decades of conflict and violence in the region. In 2014, an escalation of violence surged when the Islamic State (ISIS) launched attacks in northern Iraq. As a result of the conflict, millions of families were forced to flee their homes and half of the country's infrastructure was destroyed.
Where are Iraqis fleeing to?
More than 260,000 people have been forced to flee Iraq, while 3 million more have been displaced within the country. The majority of those who remain inside the country have settled in refugee camps or informal settlements in urban areas of the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. There are also 280,000 refugees in Iraq from neighboring countries - the vast majority escaping violence and persecution in Syria.

Although a significant number of internally displaced people (IDPs) returned to their homes in 2018, they continue to face significant challenges in terms of security, access to essential services and livelihoods .
How are Iraqi children impacted by this crisis? What are some of the biggest challenges Iraqis face?
The conflict has affected millions of children, leaving an entire generation suffering from trauma and struggling to survive in extremely difficult conditions. Approximately half of all people displaced inside Iraq are children. They have been forced to grow up in exile, often separated from their families, and have been particularly vulnerable to violence, forced early marriage, recruitment into armed groups, exploitation and psychological distress. As of November 2018, an estimated 2.1 million children were at serious risk of not being able to access essential services due to lack of civil documentation and nearly 2.6 million were not attending school.
How does winter weather impact Iraqi refugees and IDPs?
Protection, access to basic services and livelihood opportunities are the top three humanitarian priorities in Iraq. For many displaced families living conditions are extremely poor. The lack of basic services, destroyed infrastructure and lack of economic opportunities are major obstacles for families trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately, these challenges often lead to secondary displacements. There are now more than 2.3 million people in need of basic services such as food, safe water, sanitation and shelter.

Many displaced families live in makeshift shelters or informal settlements with little protection from the elements. During the winter, conditions are harsh and many struggle to survive. Temperatures in the region often drop below freezing, leaving millions at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and respiratory diseases.
Iraqi families need your help...
UNHCR is on the ground delivering essential winter aid to the most vulnerable families. Last winter, UNHCR distributed winter assistance in the form of cash, winter relief items - such as thermal blankets, heaters and winter clothes - and shelter to more than 836,000 Iraqis.

Monthly giving is the most effective way to help people fleeing conflict. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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Since 2014, more than 3 million Iraqis have been displaced within the country and another 260,000 have been forced to flee to neighboring countries. The vast majority - at least 1.5 million people - have sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where one in every four people is either a refugee or an internally displaced person.

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Who are the Rohingya?

The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority who have lived in Myanmar (also known as Burma) for generations. The United Nations has described them as "the most persecuted people in the world." They have faced discrimination and extreme poverty for decades.

Why are the Rohingya fleeing?

Widespread reports of arson, murder and rape have caused entire communities to flee for their lives. Rohingya refugees were forced to flee their homes in the western region of Myanmar to escape horrific violence and persecution - this is one of the largest exodus of refugees witnessed in recent decades.

Rohingya refugees survived dangerous journeys to escape, often walking barefoot for days or attempting deadly sea crossings on flimsy rafts to get to Bangladesh. They arrived exhausted, hungry and sick - many have nothing and need everything.

How many Rohingya refugees are there?

Approximately 720,000 Rohingya refugees have fled targeted violence and human rights violations in Myanmar since August 2017. This massive new population joins an existing group of 213,000 Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh in previous years. Nearly 80% of Rohingya refugees are women and children.

Where are Rohingya refugees?

Most Rohingya refugees are currently residing in Cox's Bazar, a southeastern district of Bangladesh. Within Cox's Bazar, they live in various locations, including in two registered refugee camps, and numerous makeshift camps and spontaneous settlements.

The Kutupalong refugee settlement has grown to become the largest of its kind in the world, with more than 600,000 people living in an area of just 13 square kilometers, stretching infrastructure and services to their limits.

How is UNHCR helping during the monsoon season?

Monsoon season, which typically lasts from April through October, is bringing significant rainfall that could trigger landslides and floods in the overcrowded settlements where the Rohingya refugees currently live. Makeshift shelters could be washed away and disease could spread as stagnant water pools and latrines overflow. It is estimated that at least 200,000 people are at risk of flooding and/or landslides during monsoon season but UNHCR and its partners are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of these refugees.

UNHCR is racing to reinforce shelters, move families most in danger and provide health services to everyone in need.

UNHCR protection staff and partners are working closely with volunteers from the refugee community to identify refugees in need of assistance and help move people, when needed, to safer areas. By mid-August 2018, more than 24,000 refugees living in high-risk areas were relocated to safer locations.

UNCHR and its partners also have been repairing and rehabilitating damaged roads, culverts, bridges and drainage channels. They've also distributed around 83,900 upgraded shelter kits that include tarpaulin, bamboo, rope, sandbags and tools as well as core relief item kits, comprising kitchen sets, plastic sheeting, buckets, blankets, solar lights, jerry cans, sleeping mats and dried food.

Is there any good news about Rohingya refugees?

Aside from the immense relocation efforts underway, refugees have taken on leadership roles within the camps with great impact. The Rohingya have established refugee representative leadership roles and a strong and credible forum for refugee participation in camp governance. These representatives serve an important function as channels of information between refugees and others, including agencies working to assist refugees.

Additionally, UNHCR is making sure that safe learning spaces remain a vital element of child protection work, especially given the sizable refugee child population in Cox's Bazar.

How have donors helped Rohingya refugees?

Generous Americans have been a lifeline to Rohingya refugees. Since the beginning of the crisis, donors have supported USA for UNHCR and its partners' efforts to deliver critical assistance when vulnerable families needed it the most. So far, donors have helped:

relocate 37,400 Rohingya refugeesto new shelters on safe, level ground

distribute 84,584 shelter upgrade kits and 72,520 shelter tie-down kits to strengthen existing refugee homes and structures against monsoon rains

establish 22 healthcare facilities and 22 nutrition centers in Rohingya refugee settlements

provide primary healthcare to approximately 250,000 Rohingya refugees

immunize more than 431,000 children

train 2,275 community health workers

construct 440 wells and water pumps, ensuring a reliable supply of clean, safe water

build more than 4,150 latrines, improving sanitation and hygiene

How can I help Rohingya refugees?

Thanks to supporters, the UN Refugee Agency is on the ground coordinating a massive refugee response in Bangladesh and leading efforts to provide shelter and care for those displaced.

Your donation today will go directly to helping Rohingya refugees suffering during this crisis. Please be generous.

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Rohingya Refugee Crisis: The Facts | USA for UNHCR

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The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority who have lived in Myanmar (also known as Burma) for generations. The United Nations has described them as "the most persecuted people in the world." They have faced discrimination and extreme poverty for decades. Widespread reports of arson, murder and rape have caused entire communities to flee for their lives.

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Who are the Rohingya?

The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim minority who have lived in Myanmar (also known as Burma) for generations. The United Nations has described them as "the most persecuted people in the world." They have faced discrimination and extreme poverty for decades.

Why are the Rohingya fleeing?

Widespread reports of arson, murder and rape have caused entire communities to flee for their lives. Rohingya refugees were forced to flee their homes in the western region of Myanmar to escape horrific violence and persecution - this is one of the largest exodus of refugees witnessed in recent decades.

Rohingya refugees survived dangerous journeys to escape, often walking barefoot for days or attempting deadly sea crossings on flimsy rafts to get to Bangladesh.

How many Rohingya refugees are there?

Approximately 671,000 Rohingya refugees have fled targeted violence and human rights violations in Myanmar since August 2017. This massive new population joins an existing group of 213,000 Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh in previous years. Nearly 80% of Rohingya refugees are women and children.

Where are Rohingya refugees?

Most Rohingya refugees are currently residing in Cox's Bazar, a southeastern district of Bangladesh. Refugees have spontaneously settled in and around existing refugee communities in two main settlements, Kutupalong and Nayapara, overstretching already-limited services and scarce resources.

What do Rohingya refugees need?

Rohingya refugees arrived exhausted, hungry and sick - many have nothing and need everything. Upon arrival their immediate needs are for food, medical care and shelter. This crisis also will require long-term assistance - including access to clean water, preventing malnutrition and providing education.

The rainy season, which typically lasts from April through October, will bring significant rainfall that could trigger landslides and floods in the overcrowded settlements where the Rohingya refugees currently live. Makeshift shelters could be washed away and disease could spread as stagnant water pools and latrines overflow. UNHCR is racing to reinforce shelters, move families most in danger and provide health services to everyone in need.

How have donors helped Rohingya refugees?

Generous Americans have been a lifeline to Rohingya refugees and more help is needed. Since the beginning of the crisis, donors have supported UNHCR and its partners' efforts to deliver critical assistance when vulnerable families needed it the most. Here are some of the ways donors have helped:

How can I help Rohingya refugees?

Thanks to supporters, the UN Refugee Agency is on the ground coordinating a massive refugee response in Bangladesh and leading efforts to provide shelter and care for those displaced.

Your donation today will go directly to helping Rohingya refugees suffering during this crisis. Please be generous.

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Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Learn the Facts | USA for UNHCR

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Rohingya refugees were forced to flee their homes in the western region of Myanmar to escape horrific violence and persecution - this is one of the largest exodus of refugees witnessed in recent decades. Since the beginning of the crisis, donors have supported UNHCR and its partners' efforts to deliver critical assistance when vulnerable families needed it the most.

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By Oriana Van Praag

The purpose of this document is to explain the intertwined social, economic, and political factors causing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela that has prompted millions to flee. The document will also analyze the flows of migrants and refugees, their legal status within the region, and international funding to attend to the crisis.

What Are the Drivers of Venezuelan Migration?

One of the reasons that the crisis has not received enough international attention or funding is that it defies the conventional understanding of what drives people to leave their country en masse. The United Nations defines the stream leaving Venezuela as a "mixed flow" of migrants and asylum-seekers, and has for the first time in its institutional history created a joint platform of the UNHCR and IOM to assist them. According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is someone with a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinion. While some of the people leaving Venezuela fit into that category, it does not apply to the majority of those who have fled. Nor does the conventional definition of a migrant, someone who voluntarily leaves his or her country of origin in order to seek a better life and who does not face impediments to returning home.

The impact of the economic crisis has been magnified by a generalized collapse of the country's public infrastructure and services. The national electricity system has been experiencing problems since 2017, which grew more severe in 2019: a nongovernmental group recorded 23,860 power failures nationwide between January and May, an average of 158 a day. The year 2019 has also seen four major national blackouts, the latest of which took place in July, in which the majority of the country was left without electricity for several days. The government implemented a rationing plan in response to the blackouts; it mandates daily power cuts of three hours and affects an estimated 18 million Venezuelans as well as hundreds of hospitals and schools. However, the actual cuts tend to be longer and more frequent than what is outlined in the plan, sometimes lasting more than a week. Access to water is also a serious problem. An analysis of state and regional hydrological plans by the news site Prodavinci found that 9.78 million people had their water rationed during 2016 and 2017, receiving it an average of two days a week. The situation continued to worsen in 2018: 38 percent of households received water a few days a week in 2018, up from 31 percent the previous year, while 33 percent received it once a week or less, compared to 23 percent the previous year. Moreover, 23 percent of the households did not have access to potable water.

Source: UNICEF Ecuador 2018, Flickr

An Impending Famine

The high prices and scarce supplies of food, the closure of food establishments, and the difficulty of food preparation due to service failures made 80 percent of households food insecure in 2017, according to ENCOVI. When asked if their income was sufficient to buy food for the family, almost 90 percent of respondents answered negatively. Faced with this situation, four in every five adults reduced their food intake and three in every five skipped meals. The quality of people's diets also worsened, with households reducing their consumption of meat and fresh produce in favor of more affordable carbohydrates like rice and root vegetables. Sixty-four percent of respondents lost weight between 2016 and 2017, an average of 25 pounds per person.

The CLAP program suffers from an additional problem. Instead of being administered by a non-partisan institution, it is managed by the local structures of the ruling party, which tend to monitor the political activities of beneficiaries. People who do not support the government are often denied access to the boxes, regardless of their nutritional needs. The program has therefore been used to coerce voters into supporting the government at election time. In order to purchase CLAP boxes one must have an electronic identity document known as carnet de la patria (Fatherland card), which provides access to government services. In the elections of 2017 and 2018, the ruling party set up stations near election centers where people had to register with their cards before voting, which created the perception that their benefits would be revoked if they voted against it.

A Crumbling Healthcare Sector

Data about health conditions in Venezuela at the national level is difficult to obtain, because the government stopped publishing information concerning most indicators in July 2015. However, the Health Ministry briefly released data on infant and maternal mortality in June 2017, leading to the prompt removal of the acting minister. The figures show that maternal mortality increased by 66 percent and infant mortality by 30 percent between 2015 and 2016. The numbers are likely to be even higher now, given the deepening crisis in the health sector and the deterioration in nutritional indicators for both groups.

Malaria has gone from being a disease under control, with close to 36,000 cases recorded in 2009, to being endemic, with more than 414,000 cases in 2017. The number of tuberculosis cases has also soared, rising from 6,000 in 2014 to 13,000 estimated for 2017, the highest in forty years. Available statistics on HIV/AIDS are equally concerning. While the government has not published data on new HIV infections and HIV-related mortality for several years, there are indicators that both have been sharply increasing. According to the Human Rights Watch/Johns Hopkins University report, Venezuela is the only country in the world where large numbers of people living with HIV have been forced to discontinue their treatment because antiretroviral medicines (ARV) are not available. In 2018, the government reported that 69,308 of the 79,467 patients registered for ARV treatment-9 out of every 10-were not receiving it. The actual number of people in need of treatment is probably greater.

Source: Thiago Dezan FARPA CIDH, Flickr

Citizen Insecurity

The rise in extrajudicial executions is especially troublesome. In 2017, the government created a rapid-response unit to combat organized crime and drug trafficking, known as the Special Action Forces (FAES). The group has carried out numerous extrajudicial executions in the context of security operations in poor neighborhoods, according to the report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The nongovernmental organization PROVEA registered 205 deaths at the hands of FAES during 2018 and 275 in the first quarter of 2019 alone, and other organizations tracking violence report higher figures. The actual number is likely to be even greater than those estimates: more than 7,500 of the 23,000 violent deaths registered by the OVV in 2018 were caused by "resistance to authority," a term authorities use to classify killings resulting from security operations. Between January and May of 2019, the organization reported more than 2,100 of such incidents. Information analyzed by the OHCHR "suggests many of these killings may constitute extrajudicial executions."

Violations of Civil and Political Rights

In addition to these abuses, the OHCHR reported that trade union leaders and workers have been fired and detained for demanding decent salaries and working conditions; health professionals for denouncing the state of the healthcare system; university faculty and staff for criticizing the government; and military and government officers for being perceived as opponents to the regime. Many of these individuals have been forced into exile.

The Complex Drivers of Venezuelan Migration

The conditions described above all constitute important push factors behind Venezuelan migration. The OHCHR lists violations of the rights to food and health as the primary drivers, with the majority of migrants seeking protection of their right to live with dignity. At the same time, many Venezuelans are fleeing the collapse of basic services and rising violence and insecurity, which have become endemic problems. An increasing number of Venezuelans are also fleeing political persecution, which qualifies them to claim political asylum under the traditional definition of the term.

Quantifying the Numbers and Destinations of Venezuelan Migratory Flows

According to the United Nations, almost 4.3 million Venezuelans were living abroad as of August 2019, more than 12 percent of the total population. The vast majority-over 3.6 million-have left the country since 2015. With an estimated 5,000 people leaving every day in 2018, the number of refugees and migrants is expected to continue rising. Using a linear model, the United Nations estimates there will be 5.39 million Venezuelans living in the region by the end of this year, and up to 7.5 million by the end of next year if the situation does not improve substantially. A recent study by the Brookings Institution provides higher estimates, arguing that there could be up to 8.2 million Venezuelans abroad in the next two or three years. The authors base their estimates on the number of Venezuelans whose caloric needs would not be met even if the government were to use all of its net income from oil to feed the poor.

Source: UNICEF Ecuador 2018, Flickr

According to a June 2019 report by the Organization of American States (OAS), Venezuela has produced the third highest number of migrants and refugees in recent history, behind only Syria and Afghanistan. But it is second today, trailing only Syria. The Syrian civil war led to the displacement of at least 6.79 million people across international borders between 2011 and 2018, and the Soviet-Afghan War produced 6.3 million migrants and refugees between 1978 and 1989. Even though Venezuelans are not fleeing armed conflict, more than three million have left in less than four years, and the country could soon overtake Syria as the largest source of refugees and migrants in the world.

As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons why the crisis in Venezuela has not received as much attention or funding as crises in countries like Syria and South Sudan is that it was not caused by an armed conflict. The majority of Venezuelans are therefore not considered refugees by their host countries, and many of them do not view themselves as such, either. By August 2019, only 601,341 of the four million who have left the country had filed asylum petitions. Another 2,022,116 had residency permits or some other document that allowed for regular stay in their country of destination. The rest-over a million and a half-were undocumented or at risk of becoming so soon.

Even though the number of asylum petitions is small relative to the amount of Venezuelans who have fled, Venezuela was still the main source of new petitions globally in 2018, accounting for one out of every five asylum applications that year. Venezuelans filed 341,800 new asylum claims in 2018, a sharp increase from the 116,000 filed in 2017, 34,200 filed in 2016, and 10,200 filed in 2015. The main recipients of asylum petitions are Peru (287,114) and Brazil (103,697), followed by the United States (85,796) and Spain (48,690). Given the large influx of Venezuelans, Peru is now the second largest recipient of new asylum applications in the world, after the United States.

Despite the desperate conditions that Venezuelans are fleeing, only 21,000 had been recognized as refugees as of June 2019. The asylum systems of countries in the region are overwhelmed, and the process for achieving refugee status is often lengthy. William Spindler, a spokesperson for UNHCR Latin America, suggested in an interview with Spain's El País that that is one of the reasons many Venezuelans opt for alternative forms of documentation, which can be obtained more quickly and provide more immediate benefits.

Several countries of the region have instituted visas or temporary residence permits that allow Venezuelans to work and access public services for up to two years. In Colombia, more than 596,000 Venezuelans have been granted a Special Stay Permit (PEP) based on the date on which they entered the country. Similarly, Peru has granted the Temporary Stay permit (PTP) to almost 342,000 Venezuelans, with an additional 150,000 cases pending. Other countries such as Ecuador and Argentina have granted Venezuelans residency through regular channels as well as migration agreements tied to MERCOSUR or UNASUR. In Brazil, Venezuelans are eligible for a two-year temporary residence permit granted to nationals of border countries; 68,500 Venezuelans have taken advantage of this option. The process is more stringent in Chile, which in 2018 instituted a Democratic Responsibility Visa that Venezuelans must apply for in Chilean consular offices within Venezuela. Only 26,000 such visas had been granted by February 2019. However, Chile has granted more than 300,000 residence permits since 2015.

Source: UNICEF Ecuador 2018, Flickr

Challenges and Paths Forward

Despite the extraordinary efforts made by countries in the region to welcome and regularize the status of Venezuelans, many remain undocumented or are at risk of becoming so soon. It is extremely difficult to obtain in Venezuela the documents required for some visa and residence permits. Documents that should be easily accessible to any citizen, such as passports and criminal records, can cost large sums of money and take years to be processed, if available at all. The costs of visa and permit applications are also prohibitive for many Venezuelans. As a result, new legal requirements that are intended to organize and formalize the flows of Venezuelans to countries in the region function in practice as restrictions.

The lack of coordination among regional governments with respect to migration creates both peaks and bottlenecks in the flows of Venezuelans traveling through South America. In June 2019, more than two hundred Venezuelans were stuck at the Chacalluta border crossing in Peru in an effort to enter Chile, where officials argued that they did not meet the legal requirements. Such episodes illustrate why refugee advocates are calling for greater coordination among regional governments and the creation of a uniform protection regime that affords Venezuelans security and legal status.

One of the options under discussion is recognizing Venezuelans as a group as refugees, based on the Cartagena Declaration. This would not only expand the number of people eligible for refugee status but also save migration authorities the need to review individual claims, thus expediting the asylum process. The UNHCR and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have called on Latin American states to take this step, along with nongovernmental organizations like Amnesty International and Refugees International. The call has been seconded by the task force for Venezuelan migrants and refugees at the Organization of American States, which recently released a detailed report on the subject.

The Cartagena Declaration is a non-binding legal instrument that provides guidance to states in developing their refugee protection frameworks and has been incorporated into domestic law by fifteen Latin American states. The Declaration is particularly useful in the context of the Venezuelan crisis because it expands protection to people fleeing "massive violation of human rights or other circumstances which have seriously disturbed public order." However, according to the UNHCR, the clause referring to "other circumstances which have seriously disturbed public order" is the least frequently applied by national adjudication bodies when determining refugee status under the definition of the Cartagena Declaration. Therefore, "states need to carefully consider, in some cases without much in the way of domestic precedent to draw on, the extent to which their laws give rise to valid claims of protection by Venezuelans who have fled the country for humanitarian reasons rooted in the ongoing crisis," according to Human Rights Watch.

So far, the only country heeding the call to grant Venezuelans group recognition as refugees has been Brazil. On June 14, 2019, the Brazilian National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) formally recognized the existence of severe and generalized human rights violations in Venezuela. The decision makes possible the adoption of a simplified procedure to determine refugee status and expedite the processing of asylum claims. As of July 2019, there were approximately 100,000 cases awaiting a decision from CONARE, the first 174 of which were approved on July 24, 2019.

Another option under discussion involves the creation of a document to facilitate the movement of Venezuelans within the region. This was one of the priorities established during the July 2019 meeting of the Quito Process, a forum established last year to harmonize the policies of states affected by the Venezuelan refugee crisis. The "Information Card on Regional Mobility" is aimed at harmonizing, supplementing, and strengthening the documentation and registration processes already underway at the national level.

Funding Is Not Sufficient

The influx of Venezuelan migrants and refugees has placed considerable strain on the resources of host countries, particularly the health and education systems. It has also increased competition for jobs in the areas where Venezuelans are concentrated, which has the potential to inflame xenophobic sentiments among locals. Countries in the region need international assistance to provide emergency relief to and ensure the protection of Venezuelans. Host countries are also in need of funding for job training and job creation, not only for Venezuelans but also for the benefit of their host communities.

The 2019 Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan called for $738 million to provide direct emergency assistance and protection to Venezuelans, promote socio-economic and cultural integration, and strengthen the capacities of host governments to respond to the crisis. If successful, the plan would reach 2.2 million Venezuelans and more than 580,000 people in host communities. However, as of July 31, 2019, only 23.9 percent of the plan had been funded. More than two-thirds of that funding had come from the United States, with the European Union providing less than six percent.

Urgent and Coordinated Action is Needed

The intertwined political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Venezuela show no signs of abating, and in fact show steady signs of worsening. Until the drivers of migration from Venezuela are addressed in a comprehensive and systematic way, Latin America and the Caribbean will continue to receive multitudes of Venezuelans seeking relief from the economic ruin and repression of their home country. The region urgently needs to adopt coordinated strategies to handle these refugee flows, but it cannot do so alone. It needs governments and civil society around the world to view Venezuela's crisis as a priority for national and global policy, for which responsibility should be broadly shared.

*Oriana Van Praag served as a research intern with the Wilson Center's Latin American Program in mid-2019. Originally from Caracas, she is completing a bachelor's degree in Development Studies at Brown University and has done extensive research on inequality, participatory democracy, and social movements in Brazil and Venezuela. She has also published news articles on economic and political issues in the region. Prior to joining the Wilson Center, she was an Environmental Justice Intern at Dejusticia, a Colombian non-governmental organization that carries out research and strategic litigation on human rights.

[1] The Cartagena Declaration from a meeting of key stakeholders from ten Latin American countries in 1984 to discuss the system of regional protection for refugees. The region was facing unprecedented refugee flows from the civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua and repressive dictatorships in South America, but lacked the legal and institutional infrastructure to respond effectively. The declaration they agreed upon is a non-binding legal instrument that provides guidance to states in developing their refugee protection frameworks. It was the beginning of an ongoing forum among Latin American countries, which meet every ten years, and has since expanded to include countries in the Caribbean. The document has so far been signed by 15 countries in the region, and several of them have incorporated it into law.

[2] The predictions through the end of 2019 in the RMRP are of refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean only.

[3] Venezuela welcomed large numbers of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian immigrants after the Second World War. The government of Marcos Pérez Jiménez instituted an "open door policy" toward European immigrants as part of a national project of modernization and industrialization. Between 1948 and 1961, more than 614,000 foreigners were granted a national identity document, and a total of 800,000 are estimated to have immigrated to the country. Of these, 78 percent came from Italy, Portugal, and Spain. At the time, Venezuela's population was a scant 7.7 million.

[4] The number of permits may reflect, in some countries, documents that are not currently valid, as well as duplications and triplications (one person carrying multiple permits). It does not include tourist visas.

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Understanding the Venezuelan Refugee Crisis

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By Oriana Van Praag The purpose of this document is to explain the intertwined social, economic, and political factors causing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela that has prompted millions to flee. The document will also analyze the flows of migrants and refugees, their legal status within the region, and international funding to attend to the crisis.

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More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014 because of political strife, human rights abuses and lack of economic opportunity. The vast majority are finding refuge in neighboring countries. This is the largest exodus in the recent history of Latin America.

Here's What You Need to Know:
1. Why are Venezuelans fleeing? 2. Where are Venezuelans fleeing to?
3. What is the UN Refugee Agency doing?
4. How are children being impacted by this crisis?
5. What still needs to be done?

Why are Venezuelans fleeing?

People are fleeing Venezuela in an attempt to escape widespread violence and poverty. Safety concerns, hunger and high inflation after an economic collapse have left millions extremely vulnerable. More than 390,000 have sought asylum since 2014 - 232,000 in 2018 alone.

Where are Venezuelans fleeing to?

Venezuelans are fleeing to countries all across Latin America and the Caribbean with the largest number of people finding safety and refuge in Colombia, Brazil and Peru. Approximately 1.3 million Venezuelans have fled to Colombia - many crossing the Simon Bolivar International Bridge - a route that some 30,000 people cross every day.

What is the UN Refugee Agency doing?

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has stepped up relief efforts throughout the region. Working with the Colombian government, UNHCR has supported the registration of 440,000 Venezuelans. UNHCR-supported facilities in Colombia are helping serve thousands of meals each day and providing psychiatric care to people in need. In Brazil, UNHCR has supported the construction of more than a dozen temporary shelters, providing site planning management and humanitarian aid items.

How are children being impacted by this crisis?

The crisis in Venezuela threatens to leave an entire generation of children displaced and suffering from trauma. Increasingly, children are fleeing alone and there are more reported instances of children being separated from their parents. In Colombia, the government is allowing Venezuelan children to attend school, but with Venezuelans crossing the border every day, access to schools will continue to be a challenge.

What still needs to be done?

UNHCR is working to scale up humanitarian assistance in the region anticipating that more than 5 million total Venezuelans will have fled by the end of 2019. Local integration, employment opportunities and access to education will continue to be challenges for displaced Venezuelans. UNHCR is working with governments in the region to ensure refugees are accepted safely to host communities.

Resolve to help refugees in 2019...Monthly giving is the most convenient, effective and efficient way you can help people fleeing conflict. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014 because of political strife, human rights abuses and lack of economic opportunity. The vast majority are finding refuge in neighboring countries. This is the largest exodus in the recent history of Latin America. Here's What You Need to Know: 1.

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"We left everything in Venezuela. We don't have a place to live or sleep and have nothing to eat."

-Nayebis Carolina Figuera, a 34-year-old from Venezuela who fled to neighbouring Brazil

In the past, Venezuela hosted thousands of refugees from the region and other parts of the world. Now the number of Venezuelans compelled to leave their homes continues to increase, and a significant number of them are in need of international protection. Over 4 million Venezuelans have left their country to date, according to data from governments receiving them, making this among the world's biggest recent displacement crises.

There has been an 8,000 per cent increase in the number of Venezuelans seeking refugee status worldwide since 2014, principally in the Americas. Many Venezuelans who would meet the criteria are not registering for refugee procedures and are instead opting for alternative legal forms of stay, which are easier and faster to obtain and allow access to work, education and social services.

However, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans remain without any documentation or permission to stay regularly in nearby countries, and therefore lack guaranteed access to basic rights. This makes them particularly vulnerable to labour and sexual exploitation, trafficking, violence, discrimination and xenophobia.

The majority of refugees and migrants from Venezuela arriving in neighbouring countries are families with children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with disabilities. Often obliged to take irregular routes to reach safety, they may fall prey to smugglers, traffickers and irregular armed groups. As more and more families arrive with fewer and fewer resources, they are in immediate need of documentation, protection, shelter, food and medicine.

Host countries and communities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and the southern Caribbean have been generously welcoming them, but are increasingly overstretched and some are reaching a saturation point.

"We walked for 11 days and had to sleep outside. We left because they threatened to kill us. My brother was killed... They almost killed me."

-Ana, Venezuelan woman in Ecuador

What is UNHCR doing to help?

Throughout the region, UNHCR has stepped up its response and is working closely with host governments and partners, particularly IOM, to support a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela. Concretely, we are collecting data to better understand the specific needs of Venezuelans; supporting States to improve reception conditions, coordinate the provision of information and assistance to meet Venezuelans' immediate basic needs including shelter; and combating discrimination and xenophobia through awareness campaigns.

Notably, we have strengthened our presence along key borders to limit to the extent possible risks, in particular with regard to access to territory, trafficking, exploitation, and to identify people who may require dedicated protection and services, such as unaccompanied and separated children and pregnant women. UNHCR also provides support and legal orientation on arrival and distributes drinking water, and hygiene kits for women and children at border areas. Our teams also provide cash assistance to the most vulnerable Venezuelans.

UNHCR is also supporting government registration efforts in Aruba, Brazil, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. In Peru, asylum requests from Venezuelans have increased more than five-fold, from 33,100 in 2017 to 190,500 in 2018. In Brazil, 61,600 asylum claims were submitted, up from the 17,900 reported in 2017.

Across the region, UNHCR complements government efforts to provide emergency shelter for Venezuelans arriving in the border states and main cities. In Brazil, we are providing site planning, tents, relief items, drinking fountains, registration through biometrics, community mobilization, information dissemination and site management. So far, 13 temporary shelters have opened in Boa Vista and Pacaraima, hosting over 6,000 Venezuelans. In Maicao, Colombia, a temporary reception centre opened in March 2019, set up at the request of national and local authorities, with an initial capacity to host 350 individuals.

UNHCR has also installed child-friendly spaces and spaces for breast-feeding mothers at border crossing points and is advocating with host governments to facilitate access to education for Venezuelan children. UNHCR has established networks of volunteers to improve our links with the communities and ensure two-way communication and accountability, while working with different population groups, including women, children, elderly people, young people and people with disabilities as well as indigenous and LGBTI groups. In addition, UNHCR is coordinating with partners on the establishment of a regional Support Spaces initiative to ensure that refugees and migrants receive updated and reliable information and a minimum package of services in key locations across the region.

To promote the integration of refugees and migrants in their host communities, UNHCR works closely with local authorities and the private sector and supports the provision of vocational training to Venezuelans. UNHCR is also supporting the relocation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the Brazilian state of Roraima to other parts of the country where there are more employment opportunities and services.

"It took us over seven days to reach Peru. We had nothing to eat at the end. We tried to spare all for our son, but he also went over 24 hours without a bite. He is only three."

Gerardo, Venezuelan father in Peru

In an effort to curb xenophobia against Venezuelans and promote solidarity, UNHCR, in coordination with partners, has launched several campaigns in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.

Humanitarian assistance, as well as increased support for socio-economic inclusion, need to be urgently scaled-up to complement government efforts and ensure communities continue to accept refugees and migrants in a safe and welcoming environment. To ensure a comprehensive UN-wide response, and to support the efforts of main receiving governments, the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for the Venezuela situation - led by UNHCR and IOM - launched the Regional Response Plan for Refugees and Migrants (RMRP) from Venezuela on 14 December 2018. The plan, developed with some 95 partners, aims to prioritize the needs of over 2.2 million refugees and migrants from Venezuela as well as an estimated half a million host community members. It is the first of its kind in the Americas: a strategic and operational blueprint, a coordination template, and a funding mechanism for responding to the needs of Venezuelans on the move.

As part of this plan, UNHCR requires an initial US$158.2 million in 2019 to continue responding to the most urgent needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela in 16 host countries most affected by this situation.

Reports and Links

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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"We left everything in Venezuela. We don't have a place to live or sleep and have nothing to eat." -Nayebis Carolina Figuera, a 34-year-old from Venezuela who fled to neighbouring Brazil In the past, Venezuela hosted thousands of refugees from the region and other parts of the world.

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The Somali refugee crisis is one of the most challenging mass displacement situations in the world. Over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia due to political instability and a dangerous civil war that broke out in the 1990s.

In February 2023, clashes around the city of Laascaanood in Somalia caused increasing internal displacement, with at least 150,000 people forced to flee within Somalia, and nearly 100,000 Somali refugees fleeing to Ethiopia, arriving in remote, extremely isolated and drought-affected areas. Many of the Somalis fleeing are women, children
and vulnerable people.

Here are six facts you need to know about the Somalia refugee crisis, why people are fleeing their homes, and what UNHCR is doing to protect and support displaced people across Somalia.
FACT: 80 percent of Somali refugees are living in neighboring countries:
More than 3.8 million people are displaced in Somalia and some 6.7 million people are struggling to meet their food needs. More than half a million Somali children are severely malnourished.

Today, there are 714,390 Somali refugees and asylum seekers living in neighboring countries like Kenya (308,367), Ethiopia (276,412), Uganda (69,533) and Yemen (46,750). More than 35,600 refugees and asylum seekers live inside the country and nearly 3 million people are internally displaced across Somalia.

Despite having internal displacement and refugee crises of their own, countries like Yemen and Ethiopia have a long-standing history of welcoming refugees from Somalia.
FACT: The drought in the Horn of Africa is impacting more than 20 million people-including those in Somalia.
The Horn of Africa is facing a catastrophic drought, the worst experienced in 40 years, following poor rainfall patterns and changing climatic conditions. The drought is severely affecting millions of refugees, IDPs and their host communities, primarily in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. This year, more than 408,000 people were displaced by floods engulfing their villages and another 312,000 people by ravaging drought. A toxic mix of conflict, severe drought and devastating floods has forced more than 1 million people in Somalia to flee their homes in the first five months of 2023 - a record rate of displacement for the country.

With water sources drying up, livelihoods decimated and prices of food and basic goods rising due to a mix of conflict and climate shocks, there is new displacement - both internally and across borders; as well as drought-specific impacts on existing refugee camps and settlements and host communities in all three countries.

These populations are already suffering a dramatic reduction in food assistance due to funding shortfalls and the global economic crisis, which has caused increases in food and commodity prices. The cost of a food basket has risen by 36 percent in Somalia, leaving many refugees and IDP families unable to afford even basic items.
FACT: The Somali refugee crisis is a protracted refugee crisis.
Refugees from Somalia have been living in refugee camps for nearly 30 years. Many have lived most or all of their lives in these camps. This is called a protracted refugee situation. UNHCR defines a protracted refugee situation as one in which 25,000 or more refugees from the same nationality have been in exile for five consecutive years or more in a given host country. An estimated 78 percent of all refugees live in protracted refugee situations like this.
FACT: Many Somali children are born in exile.
Because Somalis have been displaced for generations, many Somali children have been born in refugee camps. These children have never known a life free from exile, but UNHCR is working to ensure they still have the brightest future possible. Somali refugee children attend school and have the opportunity to go to college. And new laws and agreements, like those established with the government of Ethiopia, are allowing Somali refugees to have livelihoods and better integrate with their local communities.
FACT: The UN Refugee Agency will stay and deliver.
As Somalia continues to face multiple challenges, including political insecurity, conflict, and climate emergencies, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is on the ground delivering lifesaving aid such as shelter, water, sanitation facilities, nutrition, healthcare, cash assistance and protection to people forced to flee their homes.

UNHCR is also ensuring that separated and unaccompanied children are provided with medical assistance, psychosocial support, counseling, and safe spaces to protect them against exploitation and forced recruitment by armed actors.
FACT: Somali refugees are changing Americans' perceptions of refugees.
Somali refugees, like Mustafa and Fatima, who have been resettled in the United States, are changing the way Americans think about refugees. Mustafa is helping break down barriers by bringing resettled refugees and their neighbors together for family dinners, where families often discover they have more in common than they thought. Fatima is a dedicated civil servant who is giving back to the community that gave her a second chance, showing that former refugees can be successful, contributing members of society.
Displaced people from Somalia need your help...
Monthly giving is the most effective way to help people living in exile and returning to their homes after years of displacement. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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Over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia because of political instability and a dangerous civil war.

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By Emmanuel Nyabera | 11 August 2006

DADAAB, Kenya, August 11 (UNHCR) - Somali refugees are arriving at Dadaab in north-east Kenya at a rate of 100 per day, but UNHCR fears the numbers could rise even higher if fighting between the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) and the transitional government in Somalia gets worse.

Since the beginning of the year, some 18,000 Somali refugees have arrived in Dadaab, where three refugee camps already hosted some 134,000 mainly Somali refugees. "If the current arrival rate continues, we can expect another 12,000 refugees by the end of the year. This would bring the total number of newly-arriving Somali refugees into Kenya [this year] to 30,000," said Nemia Temporal, head of the UNHCR office in Dadaab.

"This number could be higher if there are more hostilities," warned Temporal, while adding: "If this were to happen, we would need to liaise with the [Kenyan] government to open a fourth camp, in addition to the existing three in Dadaab."

UNHCR is seeking additional funding to assist the new arrivals, mainly in the areas of shelter, health care and sanitation.

Many of those who have arrived in the semi-arid Dadaab region in the past week said they had fled Mogadishu to escape fighting between the UIC and a loose alliance of warlords, who controlled the Somalian capital for years. The UIC's militia seized Mogadishu in June and is threatening to advance further.

The refugees are generally in good health, but many are visibly exhausted from the long trek and have tales of fresh fighting. Abdikadir Mohammed Noor, who fled Mogadishu after his three brothers were killed in cross-fire in the capital, said he had been on the road with his family for more than three weeks.

"We walked for days and days and depended on villagers for food," Noor said as he waited to be registered by UNHCR staff. He left his exhausted wife and nine children with friends in the southern Somalian port of Kismayo and planned to return to pick them up. "I do not want to go back [to Mogadishu]," he said.

Some of the refugees who arrived in Dadaab earlier this week said they had walked or hitched rides from passing trucks as they made their way south from Mogadishu to Kismayo before continuing north-west to Amuma, a crossing point on the Kenya-Somalia border. Amuma is some 100 kilometres from Dadaab. Somali refugees are also entering Kenya through the border crossing at Doble, which is 98 km from Dadaab.

The continuing influx of Somalis to Dadaab is affecting morale among long-term residents of the camps, including some who have been here for almost 14 years. In October 2004, the refugees at Dadaab were full of hope after Somalia elected a president and put a government in place for the first time in 15 years. UNHCR began initial preparations to take the refugees back home, but the renewed fighting has dashed these hopes.

"We are disappointed because we expected the number of Somali refugees in this camp to decrease following the establishment of the Transitional Federal Government in 2004. Now, we are receiving more refugees," said Dahir, chairman of the refugee committee in Dadaab's Hagadera camp.

Upon arrival in Dadaab, the refugees are received at a registration centre where UNHCR staff carry out a rapid screening exercise. On Wednesday, some 600 newly arrived refugees were awaiting screening and registration and UNHCR staff were busy preparing additional accommodation areas.

In some sites, the refugee agency has had to build extra sanitation facilities, while steps are being taken to ensure new sites are as close as possible to water points in the camp. New arrivals receive basic household items such as blankets, jerry cans, mats and kitchen utensils, but current stocks are very limited.

There are 227,400 refugees in Kenya, mainly from Somalia and Sudan.
By Emmanuel Nyabera in Dadaab, Kenya

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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UNHCR fears fighting could swell numbers of Somalis fleeing into Kenya

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Somali refugees are arriving at Dadaab in north-east Kenya at a rate of 100 per day, but UNHCR fears the numbers could rise even higher if fighting between the Union of Islamic Courts and the transitional government gets worse. If this happened, the UN refugee agency would need to open another camp and secure more funding.

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In 2019 alone, there have already been 27,301 sea arrivals in Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta.

40% of sea arrivals are women and children

40 percent of individuals arriving to Europe by sea in 2019 are women and children.

584 reported missing or dead

In 2019, there have already been 584 individuals reported dead or missing due to dangerous land and sea journeys.

Background

By the end of 2016, nearly 5.2 million refugees and migrants reached European shores, undertaking treacherous journeys from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries torn apart by war and persecution.

For some, this desperate journey will be their last. Thousands have lost their lives or have gone missing since 2015, and an increasing number of women and unaccompanied children continue to take perilous journeys in search of safety.

In 2018, more than 138,000 people risked their lives trying to reach Europe by sea; more than 2,000 of them drowned.

How to Help

UNHCR is on the ground, with over 600 staff in 20 different locations working to protect refugees and provide lifesaving assistance such as shelter, food, water and medical care to refugees who arrived in Europe.

Six people died each day attempting to cross Mediterranean in 2018

An Afghan boy spells out the alphabet at a refugee camp in Greece.

In 2018, over 58,000 refugees arrived in Spain by land and sea.

Of the 27,000 refugee present in Greece by the end of 2018, 57 percent live in urban areas.

Most of the 2,700 children in Greek reception centers have missed one to four years of school due to conflict in their home countries.

During 2018, almost 32,400 refugees were submitted by UNHCR for resettlement to 20 countries in Europe.

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Refugee Crisis in Europe: Aid, Statistics and News | USA for UNHCR

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In 2019 alone, there have already been 27,301 sea arrivals in Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta. 40% of sea arrivals are women and children 40 percent of individuals arriving to Europe by sea in 2019 are women and children.

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Nearly 2.32 million South Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, and 2.22 million remain internally displaced in South Sudan due to violent conflict throughout the country. It is the largest refugee crisis in Africa and the third-largest refugee crisis in the world.

Here's What You Need to Know:
1. Isn't South Sudan the newest country in the world? Why are people fleeing? 2. Who is fleeing South Sudan? 3. Where are South Sudanese refugees living now? 4. How is UNHCR working to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among South Sudanese refugees? 5. When will South Sudanese refugees be able to return home? Isn't South Sudan the newest country in the world? Why are people fleeing?
South Sudan was established as a new country in 2011 after a deadly civil war. Unfortunately, only two years later, in 2013, conflict broke out in the new country, leading to a complex and dangerous situation of armed conflict, economic decline, disease and hunger. This conflict has forced millions to flee and left millions more displaced inside the country.
Who is fleeing South Sudan?
The vast majority (over 83 percent) of those fleeing South Sudan are women and children, with children making up 65 percent of the total South Sudanese refugee population. They are survivors of violent attacks, sexual assault and, in many cases, children have been separated from their parents and are traveling alone.
Where are South Sudanese refugees living now?
The majority of South Sudanese refugees are living in neighboring countries such as Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp and its expansion site, Kalobeyei settlement, host more than 148,000 South Sudanese refugees, one of the largest South Sudanese refugee populations in the world. UNHCR is embracing innovation to give refugees living in Kakuma opportunities for success. For example, Kakuma hosted the world's first TED Talk in a refugee camp and a refugee-led hackathon.
How is UNHCR working to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among South Sudanese refugees?
To mitigate the risks of SGBV, UHNCR works closely with partner agencies and refugee and host communities to build safe shelters, conduct awareness campaigns, strengthen referral mechanisms and sensitize communities on the importance of combatting the problem. UNHCR has established a safe haven system in which volunteer "guardian angels" open up their homes to protect and support South Sudanese refugees who have survived SGBV. UNHCR and partner organizations have also been conducting awareness sessions about female genital mutilation.
When will South Sudanese refugees be able to return home?
UNHCR is neither facilitating nor promoting refugee returns to South Sudan, as the current conditions are not yet conducive for durable, safe and dignified returns. However, UNHCR recognizes the refugees' right to return to South Sudan and is protecting refugees who've decided to do so on their own.

In 2022, refugees from South Sudan continued to make up the largest group of returnees, with 151,300 returning primarily from Uganda(75,500), Sudan (48,900) and Ethiopia (23,300). In 2022 and previous years, returns to South Sudan have been difficult to verify, as they tend to be self-organized, and it can be challenging to reach the areas in which many people return.

Additionally, in late April 2023, following the outbreak of violence in Sudan, around 46,000 out of 800,000 South Sudanese refugees who were living in Sudan were forced to flee back to their homeland due to the devastating humanitarian situation inside Sudan.
Now is your chance to help refugees...
Monthly giving is the most convenient, effective and efficient way you can help people fleeing conflict. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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Nearly 2.3 million South Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries due to violent conflict throughout the country.

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South Sudan should be a country full of hope eight years after gaining independence. Instead, it's now in the grip of a massive humanitarian crisis.

Political conflict, compounded by economic woes and drought, has caused massive displacement, raging violence and dire food shortages. Over seven million people - about two thirds of the population - are in need of aid, including around 6.9 million people experiencing hunger.

Food security is expected to deteriorate more, with 7.7 million people estimated to face crisis levels of hunger with the onset of the July to August lean season, the period of time between harvests when food stores are low.

The ongoing conflict and insecurity have pushed millions to the brink of starvation for years. In 2017, famine was declared in two counties in South Sudan, and famine has remained a persistent threat since. Without peace and consistent humanitarian access, another famine this year is likely.

The people of this young country need our help, and among the world's other emergencies, we must not forget them. We are working on the ground to reach families who are struggling to survive in South Sudan - but our lifesaving work starts with you.

Learn more about this complex crisis and get the latest on the situation in South Sudan below. Plus, find out how you can help.

When did the crisis in South Sudan start?

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011, but the hard-won celebration was short-lived. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement, the ruling political party that originally led the way for independence, is now divided and fighting for power.

In December 2013, political infighting erupted into violence in the streets of the capital, Juba, after South Sudan's president accused his vice president of an attempted coup. Fighting between the two factions of government forces loyal to each soon moved to Bor, and then to Bentiu.

Violence spread across the young nation like wildfire, displacing 413,000 civilians in just the first month of conflict. Tens of thousands of civilians rushed to seek refuge in U.N. bases that were subsequently turned into makeshift displacement camps.

The fighting has continued, becoming an increasingly brutal civil war and affecting the entire country.

What's happening in South Sudan now?

A handful of peace agreements have been signed over the course of the war - the most recent in September 2018 - but they have been repeatedly violated. While reported incidents of conflict have decreased somewhat since the new deal, the situation in South Sudan remains highly unstable and outbreaks of violence continue.

Relatively small numbers of people have started to return home in light of the tenuous peace agreement, but new displacements continue and overall displacement remains high. Those affected are struggling to survive after years of protracted conflict that has destroyed livelihoods, forced people from their homes, disrupted planting and eliminated critical coping resources, like savings and livestock.

Additionally, inadequate rainfall in 2018 has exacerbated the effects of the conflict and slashed crop production, with only 52 percent of the national cereal needs being met by recent harvests. More than half of families who could harvest only collected enough food to cover their needs for 1 to 4 months, compared to pre-crisis harvests that would be sufficient for seven months.

On top of attacks and the lack of food, the country's economy is in crisis - the South Sudanese pound has declined in value, and the cost of goods and services has skyrocketed. At one point the inflation rate reached 835 percent, the highest in the world at the time.

In early 2017, a famine was declared in parts of South Sudan, leaving 100,000 people on the verge of starvation. While famine is no longer declared as of February 2018, an estimated 7.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

What's happening to people in South Sudan?

Since the conflict began, 1 in 3 people in South Sudan have been displaced. More than 4 million citizens have been forced to flee their homes. Around 2.3 million people have escaped to neighboring countries in search of safety, and 1.8 million are trapped inside the warring nation. South Sudan is one of the most fled countries in the world, alongside Syria, Afghanistan and Venezuela.
Read one staff member's story of fleeing with his family ▸
Those who've run have lost loved ones and their homes, their land and their livelihoods. Violence toward civilians has been widespread, including targeted attacks, gender-based violence, kidnappings and murders. Burning and pillaging of homes and livestock is rampant.

And assaults on aid convoys and looting of supplies have become increasingly common, making it difficult - and dangerous - to reach in-need families with the support they need to survive.

Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of young ones are facing an uncertain future - according to UNICEF, more than 70 percent of the country's children are out of school. Find out how we get kids to class during conflict ▸

Across the country, children can't learn, people can't work, farmers can't plant - all they can do is hope to survive until there is an end to the vicious fighting.

How bad is the food crisis in South Sudan?

Humanitarian efforts have helped prevent widespread starvation, but the situation in South Sudan is desperate again and the number of people facing hunger remains at record levels. After famine ravaged parts of South Sudan in 2017, people are still at risk of dying of hunger. Ongoing violence continues to keep people from their homes, damage markets and disrupt planting, all of which keeps them from getting the food they need to survive.

In May 2019, 6.9 million people were already at risk of going hungry and, without humanitarian support, that number could increase to more than 7.7 million in the coming months. If it does, it would be the highest number of people ever to face food insecurity in South Sudan.

The upcoming lean season, the period between May and July when stores from the previous harvest are running low but the next is not yet ready, will be particularly threatening for vulnerable families.

What are the effects of hunger in South Sudan?

Hunger anywhere can have long-term, debilitating consequences, but it can be particularly threatening during a complex crisis like the one in South Sudan.

When people go hungry, they have trouble staying healthy and become more vulnerable to dangerous diseases, which is a weakness people sheltering in makeshift camps and communities can't afford. Their bodies are also not as strong or productive as they could be, which makes it difficult for them to work, find food and keep their families safe at a time when they urgently need the strength to do so.

Children's development is also seriously impacted by hunger. Without proper nutrition, they don't hit critical developmental milestones, which can permanently inhibit their ability to learn and function for the rest of their lives. Hungry children don't learn as well, and they are also at a higher risk of disease. According to UNICEF, around 860,000 children under 5 in South Sudan are acutely malnourished.

Why did the humanitarian situation deteriorate so quickly?

South Sudan was once a semi-independent region in Sudan, only recently gaining independence as a country in 2011, after a brutal civil war that lasted more than 25 years. The conflict in December 2013 reopened deeply-rooted political and ethnic tensions that hadn't yet been reconciled in the young country - and those divisions have continued to fuel ongoing clashes.

After those decades of conflict, South Sudan was and still is one of the least-developed countries in the world, which has further complicated the situation.

The larger cities in South Sudan had experienced some development, but the majority of the nation is rural. Even before the crisis, more than half of its citizens lived in absolute poverty, were dependent on subsistence agriculture and suffered from malnourishment.

"I am afraid we have lost our future and everything we worked so hard for to win our independence," says Chudier from the displacement camp where she's seeking safety. "We worked hard to build a life here [in South Sudan] and have beds to sleep on, blankets and plates to eat off. Now it is all gone."

"I just want peace and to be able to take my family home, so they can have a normal life," she continues. "I spent most of my life as a refugee, I don't want my children to grow up like I did."

Because the economy was already fragile before fighting began, people like Chudier have very few resources to help them survive the long-term conflict and displacement they're now faced with.

Plus, at this point in the war, many people have had to flee for safety more than once. Repeated displacement makes it impossible for people to regain any sort of stability - if they do manage to make progress by planting crops, purchasing animals or rebuilding livelihoods in their places of refuge, they must quickly abandon them if the fighting forces another escape.

South Sudan also has very little formal infrastructure - roads, buses, buildings - which makes it difficult to transport food and supplies. Many towns and villages become inaccessible during the annual rainy season due to closed airstrips, washed out roads or lack of roads altogether, sometimes limiting any delivery of humanitarian aid to the isolated areas that need it most.

These logistical constraints, combined with the violent context, make reaching people with the humanitarian support they desperately need incredibly challenging and risky. Over the course of the crisis, South Sudan has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to be an aid worker.

Where have people from South Sudan fled to?

An estimated 2.3 million people have crossed into neighboring countries including Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, resulting in Africa's largest refugee crisis. Inside South Sudan, 1.8 million people are displaced. A small number of people have reportedly returned to their villages where there is relative stability, but most remain in their places of refuge and ongoing, sporadic attacks continue to force more people to flee for safety.

The majority of displaced families live outside the camps, wherever they can find safe shelter - often in small villages that offer some security, tucked away from the main areas of fighting. For those running from violence, there is no other choice but to flee into the bush with what little they can carry with them.

How are people surviving outside of camps?

Many families who've fled their homes have had to move multiple times to escape the spreading violence.

Some run into the bush, with their children on their backs and little or nothing else. In the bush, there is often nothing to eat but wild plants like grass, roots and water lilies. But some people would rather face the risk of starving than endure the violence that has been rampant in towns and villages.

For others, finding shelter in an isolated, small village, removed from the violence, is the best they can hope for. Those villages offer some sense of safety, but there is little in the way of food or supplies, and always the risk that fighting will come and families will have to flee yet again.
Learn how we get to South Sudan's hardest-to-reach families ▸
Small food rations given out by aid organizations help somewhat, but escalating attacks on aid convoys and the annual rainy season make deliveries difficult and infrequent - not enough to count on.

Mercy Corps is providing seeds and tools and helping to restart markets in small villages so food can be grown and accessed by families sheltering in rural areas.

Why is there a food shortage in South Sudan?

South Sudan has agricultural potential, but due to poor infrastructure and lack of technology, growing enough food to feed everyone in the young nation has never been easy. After decades of struggle, food security was starting to improve before the current conflict began. In 2013, harvests of staple crops like millet, maize, and sorghum were up 20 percent (FAO).

Unfortunately, the crisis in South Sudan has disrupted farming and any hard-earned improvements have been lost. Because of the fighting, people who would normally grow crops have been far away from their land, running and hiding from violence - unable to plant. Conflict has also reached the Equatorias, the area considered the breadbasket of South Sudan, which is exacerbating the food shortage.

As conflict continues, many families are still far from home and unable to plant seeds, prepare land or harvest their crops. At one point, about half of all crops were in violence-ridden areas.

Can people buy more food in South Sudan?

Because of what's happening in South Sudan - violence, instability, recurring displacement - food stores are running out and many markets are empty. The threat of possible attacks, plus the high cost of transport and struggling economy, has hindered trade of food from safer areas.

Plus, what little food is available has soared in price, and most displaced families have no money to buy any goods. While overall food prices are lower than last year, costs remain well above average throughout the country: in Juba, the price of sorghum is 203 percent higher than the five-year average, and in Wau, it's 581 percent higher.

Many families have lost their livelihoods, and purchasing power is extremely low. In Wau, it is estimated that nearly half of a day's wage would need to go toward food to meet the average family's needs, and most people are unlikely to have access to labor opportunities on a daily basis.

What is life like in the camps?

While there may be relative safety in the six U.N. camps, the conditions there are insufficient.

The camps were not designed to host this many people for so long. Proper sanitation, hygiene and waste disposal are inadequate in such crowded conditions, and heavy seasonal rains flood many of the camps, making things even worse.

What are the effects of disease?

Beyond making everyday activities like sleeping and preparing food extremely difficult, heavy rains and standing water also increase the risk of disease.

Communicable and waterborne diseases like cholera and malaria spread quickly in these conditions. The risks are also high for other infections caused by contaminated water, malnutrition and weakened immune systems. Children are hungry and thirsty. If they get desperate, they may end up drinking dirty water that could give them an infection. For a young child, an infection can lead to weight loss, severe dehydration and even death.

Outbreaks of cholera and measles have already been reported, and the presence of Ebola in neighboring countries poses a threat as well. Flare-ups are already ongoing in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than a combined 900,000 South Sudanese refugees are sheltering.

What are the most urgent needs in South Sudan camps?

Displaced families receive some food, but there are urgent needs for additional food and disease prevention through better sanitation and access to clean water.

How can we help people in camps stay healthy?

To help prevent outbreaks, better sanitation and clean water are critical. We're building latrines and hand-washing stations, teaching proper hygiene and providing clean water, helping hundreds of thousands of displaced people stay healthy.

Building latrines and teaching proper hygiene and waste disposal are the best ways to ensure that water sources stay clean for people to drink, cook and bathe. Read more about our hygiene response ▸

Is disease affecting other people in South Sudan?

Yes. In 2018, outbreaks of measles, meningitis and Rift Valley fever, a viral zoonotic disease, were reported in areas across the country and resulted in deaths. Already in 2019, the number of reported measles cases is six times higher than in 2018.

Nationwide, disease outbreaks are reaching new areas and lasting longer. The country suffered a protracted, widespread cholera outbreak between June 2016 and February 2018, with more than 20,000 suspected cases and at least 436 deaths. It was the longest cholera outbreak in South Sudan's history.

Additionally, medical care to cope with these risks is increasingly out of reach. Medicine is in short supply, and health workers and medical centers have been routinely targeted. Last year it was estimated that only around 20 percent of South Sudan's health facilities are fully operational, and a meager 20 percent of the population can reach a hospital within 24 hours.

Who is most affected by the crisis in South Sudan?

Women and children are disproportionately impacted by the conflict in South Sudan. The majority of the population of the United Nations' displacement sites is made up of women and children, with more than 60 percent of South Sudanese refugees being under age 18.

Additionally, sexual violence toward women and girls is pervasive. The United Nations recently reported a surge in sexual attacks, including women and girls experiencing abuse during raids on their homes, while they are fleeing or when they leave their shelters to search for basic necessities. The people committing these crimes are rarely held responsible.

To make matters worse, women and girls continue to bear the burden of family caretaking even during crisis. In the face of heightened violence, recurring displacement and loss of livelihoods, daily tasks like collecting water and firewood can make them continual targets for attack.

What will happen if the fighting continues in South Sudan?

Without peace and support, the crisis in South Sudan will continue to deteriorate. Families will remain in hiding away from their homes and their land, unable to plant, and the economy will decline further.

The number of people at risk of hunger will increase. Families will die from starvation, malnutrition and disease.

Is South Sudan getting enough support?

The short answer: no. Humanitarian appeals to provide support to South Sudan have been chronically underfunded.

The UN appealed for $1.72 billion to assist people in need in 2018. Only 68 percent of the budget was funded.

In 2019, the UN is appealing for $1.5 billion to provide critical support. Their request is so far only 30 percent funded, but it must be fully funded in order to reach the millions in need across the country.

Many humanitarian organizations, including Mercy Corps, are partnering with the UN, using both private contributions and funding from the international community, to address the urgent needs of innocent people in South Sudan.

There are many crises we are working to address, but this young and vulnerable country needs more help to avoid further catastrophe and human suffering.

How can we help people in South Sudan?

Mercy Corps is working to provide desperately-needed latrines, showers, hand-washing stations and clean water to help people survive and prevent the spread of diseases like cholera in camps and communities.

In the small villages where many people are sheltering, we have rehabilitated living spaces, provided seeds, tools and training so people can grow food wherever they are living, and implemented cash-for-work programs to give vulnerable families some money to purchase supplies.

We're also distributing emergency funds to help traders and families access goods in hard-hit areas of the country. And our emergency education program trains teachers, repairs schools and provides school supplies and free meals so children can continue learning despite this crisis. In one refugee settlement in Uganda, we're providing cash aid that will allow refugees to buy what they need most while also stimulating the local economy.
Learn more about our cash aid program ▸
But the South Sudan crisis remains dire, and the needs of displaced families are increasing.

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Quick facts: What you need to know about the South Sudan crisis

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The man-made humanitarian crisis in South Sudan has millions in need of aid and at risk of famine. How did this happen? Get the facts and learn why this young nation needs our help.

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About the Crisis in South Sudan

Amid increasing violence and deteriorating conditions, the situation in South Sudan has escalated to a full-blown humanitarian emergency. The total number of South Sudanese refugees has now passed 2 million and it is the largest refugee crisis in Africa. After Syria and Afghanistan, it is the third largest refugee crisis in the world. Sadly, 63 percent of South Sudanese refugees are under the age of 18.

The majority of those fleeing South Sudan are women and children. They are survivors of violent attacks, sexual assault, and in many cases, children are traveling alone.

Often, they arrive weak and malnourished. When the rainy season comes, their needs are compounded by flooding, food shortages and disease.

UNHCR is facing a severe shortage in the funds needed to keep millions of refugees and displaced people fleeing violence safe and protected. Your gift will help close the gap, and give vulnerable children, women and men hope for a safe future.

South Sudan Camps and Settlements

A South Sudanese woman and her child stand in their plot of land at Pagarinya 2 refugee camp in Uganda.

The majority of South Sudanese children in Kenya's Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps only have access to primary education.

During the rainy season, camps for South Sudanese refugees have limited supplies, such as cash and fuel, because of limited road accessibility.

80% of the South Sudanese refugee population are women and children.

The majority of South Sudanese refugees live in camps, with only 8 percent living in individual accommodations.

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South Sudan Refugee Crisis: Aid, Statistics and News | USA for UNHCR

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Spiraling violence, conflict and a severe food shortage have endangered millions of lives.

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With more than 900,000 refugees and asylum-seekers living inside the country, Ethiopia is home to the second largest refugee population in Africa. The majority of refugees in Ethiopia come from three countries: South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea.

Here's What You Need to Know:
1. What other displaced populations are living in Ethiopia? 2. What are the biggest challenges displaced people in Ethiopia face? 3. What basic necessities are refugees in Ethiopia missing? 4. Can refugees in Ethiopia go to school? 5. Why is local integration important for refugee livelihoods?
What other displaced populations are living in Ethiopia?

In addition to a large refugee population, Ethiopia has more than one million internally displaced people (IDPs). Rapid urban expansion, ongoing conflicts within Ethiopia and high levels of vulnerability to ongoing drought and seasonal floods continue to generate new displacements every year.

What are some of the biggest challenges displaced people in Ethiopia face?

Education, employment opportunities and access to water are three major challenges refugees in Ethiopia face today. UNHCR has more than 500 staff on the ground addressing these issues and others like, access to shelter, food and healthcare.

What basic necessities are refugees in Ethiopia missing?

Safe access to clean water remains a serious issue for refugees in Ethiopia. In some areas, refugees walk all day to reach clean water. Women and girls, who are often tasked with gathering water, are at an increased risk of sexual- and gender-based violence as they walk alone for many hours.

Can refugees in Ethiopia go to school?

is a top UNHCR priority in Ethiopia because nearly 60 percent of the refugee population is under the age of 18. UNHCR has partnered with local organizations to help enroll more refugee children in primary school. These efforts have been successful and in regions like Jijiga, where 85 percent of all primary-school aged refugee children are now enrolled in school.

UNHCR continues to expand educational opportunities for refugees, provide specialized training for teachers, encourage girls to stay in school and improve access to university and vocational training for older students.

Why is local integration important for refugee livelihoods?

Local integration provides the chance for refugees to live a dignified life while building a better future. Many refugees in Ethiopia have been displaced from their homes for more than a generation and have been unable to work legally within the country.

On January 17, 2019 Ethiopia passed a new law that allows refugees to obtain work permits and other legal documents. Refugees can now work legally, formally register births and marriages and access financial services such as bank accounts. These historic changes will help refugees integrate fully into and contribute to their local communities.

Resolve to help refugees in 2019...Monthly giving is the most convenient, effective and efficient way you can help people fleeing conflict. Start making a lifesaving difference today. Please become USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor.

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With more than 900,000 refugees and asylum-seekers living inside the country, Ethiopia is home to the second largest refugee population in Africa. The majority of refugees in Ethiopia come from three countries: South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. Here's What You Need to Know: 1. What other displaced populations are living in Ethiopia?

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After hearing about Syrian refugees on the news, my kids have been asking me more detailed questions. Why is there a war in Syria? Why are refugees leaving their country? What can we do to help? I put together this list of resources for teachers and parents who are interested in teaching about the Syrian refugee crisis, but don't know where to start. Please add in any recommendations to the comments below!

On a very basic level, that can be adapted depending on the kids' ages, I tell kids that Syria is having a civil war. (For more detailed information, see the BBC's explanation of who is fighting whom in Syria).

In 2011, some people were peacefully protesting their government, and soon the government punished them in a violent crackdown. Civilians joined the soldiers who left the army (Free Syrian Army), while the other side was President Assad with his forces.

Assad has supporters in Iran, Russia, and Lebanon. Many different groups joined the fighting against Assad (and often against each other) including help from the US, Turkey, the Gulf Arabs, and most of the Western world.

One group that opposes Assad is the Islamic State, who is also an enemy to most of the others who oppose Assad.

Another minority group who is fighting Assad is the Kurdish fighters, who want independence in the region.

The war in Syria has been going on for over 6 years, and at least 470,000 people have been killed. The cities have been destroyed by bombs, and there is little food and medical care.The economy has been destroyed and poverty is everywhere. Thousands of people are fleeing the violence and evacuating Syria every day. The UN says that 4.8 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries; many have gone to Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. More than half of these are children under the age of 18. The kids in the Syrian refugee crisis have lost their home, their school, their friends, and often family members. Some refugees have escaped to the north into Turkey, and many are trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Turkey to Greece.

Kids often want a concrete way of helping others in need. One of the best ways to help is to learn about an issue and then spread the word and educate others. I also love the idea of having kids do something concrete to make money to donate. They can have a lemonade stand, bake and sell cookies, host a garage sale with their friends, do a car wash, hold a talent show or kickball game or any number of little services (click here for tons of service projects ideas!). In this way, their hard work can be easily donated to one of the reputable agencies helping Syrian refugees.Finally, older kids can write to their government officials and spread the word via social media so that the refugees are not forgotten.

There are many agencies working on the ground in Syria to help provide food, water, shelter, and medical support to Syrians.

The large well-known organizations include:

Smaller organizations (recommended and vetted by PRI- see additional NGO's here) are:

Learn about the crisis in Syria through a power point, evidence cards, lesson plans, and an action guide. Oxfam has excellent lessons on many global humanitarian issues!

This secondary Social Studies/ELA lesson plan has a power point, videos, discussion questions, and more. Their collection of videos is unparalleled!

This collection of pictures shows the lives of Syrian refugee children through their eyes. The detailed captions and stunning photos are great discussion prompts.

This collection of poetry written by refugees offers primary sources to learn about the people experiencing the hardships.

Using actual refugee stories, these incredible lesson plans map the crisis on a global scale. All of these should be previewed before using (obviously) because of the heart-breaking, emotional aspect.

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Teaching about the Syrian Refugee Crisis: Free Lesson Plans and Videos

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The Syrian Refugee Crisis is a serious and heart-wrenching topic. These free lesson plans and videos help teachers explain and discuss with their students.

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After a decade of conflict, Syria remains the world’s largest refugee crisis. More than 6.8 million Syrians have fled their country and another 6.9 million have been internally displaced.