COMMENT: Caught in the Crosshairs: The Humanitarian Toll of Conflict and Climate Change

In our previous article, we began to unpack the multitude of factors shaping the complex and tumultuous global landscape. That piece served as the inaugural instalment in an ongoing monthly series, designed to explore these critical issues in greater depth. Today's article, we will delve into the pivotal role that armed conflicts and political instability play in driving the mass displacement of civilian populations, leading to a staggering surge in the number of refugees worldwide. 

Armed conflicts and political instability worldwide have become major drivers of mass displacement of civilian populations. Prolonged wars, civil unrest, and oppressive regimes have forced millions of people to flee their homes in search of safety and security. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has reached a staggering 82.4 million at the end of 2020[1], the highest level on record. 

The human cost of these conflicts is immense, as families are torn apart, communities are destroyed, and individuals are left with little choice but to seek refuge in other countries. Many of these refugees endure harrowing journeys, facing threats of violence, exploitation, and even death, as they attempt to reach safe havens. The influx of large numbers of refugees has also put significant strain on the resources and infrastructure of host countries, which struggle to provide adequate housing, healthcare, and social services to meet the needs of the displaced populations. 

The ongoing crises in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe have contributed significantly to the global refugee crisis. Conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine among others, have forced millions to flee their homes, creating some of the largest refugee populations in recent history. As these conflicts persist, the international community must work together to find durable solutions that address the root causes of displacement, protect the rights of refugees, and provide them with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives. 

Concurrently, the adverse impacts of climate change have exacerbated the devastation caused by natural disasters, such as catastrophic floods, prolonged droughts, and powerful hurricanes. Furthermore, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes have increased dramatically in recent years, with storms like Hurricane Ida, Typhoon Rai, and Cyclone Amphan causing immense destruction and loss of life. 

The warming of the planet, rising sea levels, and changes in weather patterns as well have contributed to the increased severity and unpredictability of these natural calamities. Similarly, droughts have become more prolonged and severe, leading to crop failures, water shortages, and famine in many parts of the world. The combination of these natural disasters, amplified by climate change, has left vulnerable populations struggling to recover and rebuild, further exacerbating poverty, food insecurity, and displacement. 

As the adverse effects of climate change continue to intensify, a new category of displaced people has emerged - climate refugees. These are individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to the impacts of climate-related disasters. The International Organisation for Migration estimates that by 2050, there could be as many as 200 million people displaced by climate change[2], making it one of the most significant drivers of global migration in the coming decades. 

Climate refugees face unique challenges, as they often lack the legal protections afforded to traditional refugees fleeing conflict or persecution. Without a clear international framework to address their needs, climate refugees are frequently left in limbo, struggling to access basic services, secure stable housing, and rebuild their lives. 

Moreover, all these crises have had a profound impact on global food security. Disruptions to agricultural production and supply chains, caused by factors such as the destruction of farmland, displacement of farming communities, and extreme weather events, have heightened the risk of famine and severe malnutrition in vulnerable regions. 

In conflict-affected areas, the targeting of agricultural infrastructure, the displacement of rural populations, and the diversion of resources away from food production have all contributed to acute food shortages. For example, the ongoing war in Ukraine, a major global breadbasket, has severely disrupted wheat and grain exports, triggering fears of a global food crisis. Similarly, the protracted civil war in Yemen has devastated the country's agricultural sector, leaving millions on the brink of starvation. 

Climate change-related disasters have also had a severe impact on food security. Prolonged droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather events have devastated crop yields and livestock, leading to food scarcity and skyrocketing prices in many parts of the world. The Horn of Africa, for instance, has been gripped by a prolonged drought that has resulted in widespread crop failures and livestock deaths, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. These intersecting crises have heightened the risk of famine and malnutrition, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, and underscored the urgent need for comprehensive, coordinated global action to address the root causes of these challenges. 

The multitude of crises unfolding across the world have converged to create a truly global humanitarian emergency. Millions have been displaced, food security has been severely compromised, and vulnerable populations have been pushed to the brink. While the scale and complexity of the global refugee crisis, food insecurity, and environmental degradation can feel overwhelming, individual citizens have a vital role to play in driving change. We can use our voices to advocate for compassionate, evidence-based policies that protect the rights of displaced populations and address the root causes of these interlinked challenges. 

By supporting humanitarian organisations, reducing our personal carbon footprints, and fostering greater cross-cultural understanding, we can all contribute to building a more just, sustainable, and resilient world. Though the path ahead may appear daunting, we must not underestimate the transformative power of engaged global citizens. Our actions, spanning the personal to the political, have the potential to alleviate immense suffering and pave the way for a more equitable future for all. By joining forces with organisations like the United Nations Association of New Zealand, we can amplify our impact and stand united in our resolve to confront these global crises head-on. So, join us.

Footnotes:

[1] https://www.unhcr.org/media/global-trends-forced-displacement-2020

[2] https://www.globalrefuge.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/LIRS_Climate_Displacement_Report_JULY-2021.pdf#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20High%20Commissioner,200%20million%20climate%20displaced%20persons.