With the number of people forcibly displaced at a record high, at a time of widespread conflict, refugees need our solidarity. Today, one in every 69 people, or 1.5% of the entire world’s population, is forcibly displaced by violence or persecution: 120 million people total. According to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends Report, the number of refugees -- people displaced across borders -- stood at a staggering 43.4 million at the year’s end, including nearly one million Rohingya refugees hosted by Bangladesh. As the Rohingya refugees await with longing their return to a stable and peaceful Myanmar, both Bangladeshi and international communities continue to demonstrate solidarity: In 2023, the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya was among the best-funded refugee response plans globally, with 65.2% funding received against an appeal of USD 876 million. Similarly, the international community expressed its solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the country hosting them through a record number of pledges made in December 2023 at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.
Hosting communities also deserve recognition and a helping hand. The generosity of the Bangladeshi people has offered the Rohingya hope in their darkest times. With empathy and shared humanity, they opened their doors and hearts -- offering safety, support and refuge. Hosting countries and communities cannot be left to do this alone. The international community must work multilaterally to create peaceful futures for all while offering refugees and hosts alike the support necessary to thrive and coexist in harmony.
