Number of people fleeing from global conflict highest since World War Two

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 - 01:45

The figures show that there are currently 65 million across the globe displaced from their homes due to unprecedented levels of conflict. It is not just Syrians and Iraqis who have been forced to flee; ongoing violence and instability in South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Nigeria – among others – have resulted in the huge scale movement of desperate people.  Most stay within their own country or are hosted in neighbouring countries and a small percentage are seeking safety in Europe.

“Everyone is affected, but the poor are the most vulnerable,” said Madara Hettiarachchi, Christian Aid’s Head of Humanitarian Programmes Asia Middle East. “They are often the last to leave unstable places and will take the longest to recover.

“The families we met have lost everything - homes and livelihoods - some left family members behind and many have lost loved ones.”

Christian Aid is launching its annual Christmas appeal Light the Way. The charity is urging people to support its appeal this festive season, so that it can continue to provide critical support to some of the millions of people worldwide who have been forced to leave their homes through fear and uncertainty in the worst global displacement crisis of our time.

Loretta Minghella, Chief Executive of Christian Aid, said: “As we celebrate Christmas, we’re calling out to people across the UK to remember the millions of children, mothers and fathers currently fleeing from conflict, who are less fortunate than ourselves - those who are lonely, desperate and without their family by their side.

“We may never be touched by the same desperation or fear of violence. But the same sun warms us, the same stars guide us, and the same light can bring us each out of darkness.

“Through our local partner organisations, Christian Aid is working in war-torn countries, as well as in Europe, to provide vital support to those forced out of their homes.

“This Christmas, another human being needs a beacon of hope. You can be the one to light the way towards a brighter future.”

Working with refugees and displaced people is nothing new for the international aid agency, which was founded 70 years ago to support refugees in the wake of the Second World War and continues to support those searching for safety today, including people from war-torn nations.

For information, or to donate to the Christmas Appeal, visit www.christianaid.org.uk/Christmas and Tweet using #Lighttheway.