42 million victims of conflict and persecution worldwide are living as refugees or uprooted within their own countries - UNHCR

By John Chola -- 17/06/09

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres says there are currently 42 million victims of conflict and persecution worldwide living as refugees or uprooted within their own countries.

Among them are nearly 6 million refugees who have been in exile – mostly in camps – for five years or longer in protracted refugee situations.

In a statement released to Kaya FM ahead the June 20 World Refugee Day, António Guterres says 42 million refugees do not include the millions more uprooted people who are displaced within their own countries and who far outnumber the world’s refugees.

The UNHRC Commissioner says many of the victims have been unable to return home for decades.

António Guterres says both refugees and the internally displaced need food, shelter, medical care, sanitation, security, schools for their children and other essentials.

He laments that unfortunately many of the victims are not getting what they need.

UNHCR, which is almost totally dependent on voluntary funding, recently conducted a survey that showed alarming gaps in meeting even basic requirements.

June 20 is World Refugee Day earmarked to remember the 42 million uprooted people around the world who are still waiting to go home.

António Guterres says the 42 million uprooted people around the world are among the most vulnerable people on Earth who must be a priority.

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