On World Refugee Day, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that 123 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced by the end of 2024. This number includes 42.7 million refugees and others needing international protection. The staggering figure means one in every 67 people on Earth is displaced due to conflict, violence, or persecution.
UNHCR Pakistan spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi highlighted the global call for “Solidarity with Refugees,” urging compassion and support for displaced populations. He praised Pakistan’s hospitality, noting that the country currently hosts over 2.35 million Afghan refugees, including those with Proof of Registration cards and others in need.
Despite rising displacement worldwide, humanitarian funding is slowing or even declining. UNHCR’s Pakistan representative, Philippa Candler, emphasized that many countries have toughened asylum policies, making it harder for refugees to find safety. She urged stronger global solidarity to protect vulnerable people fleeing war and violence.
Candler also acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing generosity toward Afghan refugees and reiterated UNHCR’s commitment to finding lasting solutions. These include safe returns, resettlement, and alternative legal pathways for refugees still in need of protection.
In conclusion, she called on the international community to match Pakistan’s support with resources and renewed solidarity. The global refugee crisis demands urgent attention as asylum spaces shrink and conflicts continue.