UN calls forced displacement a threat to peace and security — Anadolu Agency

In Turkey, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih said at a UN Security Council briefing that the growing scale of forced displacement of people poses a fundamental threat to international stability. He called on Security Council members to focus on political solutions rather than open-ended humanitarian aid.

As Anadolu Agency reports, according to Salih, more than 117 million people have been forced to leave their homes due to violence, persecution and conflict. He stressed that the number of displaced people is growing rapidly, while long-term solutions are failing to keep pace with the scale of the crises.

Political solutions instead of prolonged aid

Under the “50 by 35” initiative, launched by UNHCR this year, the agency aims to halve by 2035 the number of refugees who remain in protracted displacement and depend on humanitarian support.

Speaking about Sudan, Salih said that humanitarian aid can save lives but cannot secure the peace needed for reconstruction. He called for a ceasefire and serious dialogue. Regarding the Sahel, the official said that security and humanitarian protection must complement each other.

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Salih also called the situation of Sahrawi refugees in Western Sahara, who have remained displaced for half a century, unacceptable and inhumane. He demanded the unconditional release of UN staff and humanitarian workers whom, he said, are being arbitrarily detained by the Houthi authorities in Yemen.

Return requires recovery

According to the high commissioner, 3.8 million Syrians who were internally displaced or abroad have returned to Syria since December 2024. At the same time, he stressed that international engagement and investment in reconstruction are needed to restore the country.

Salih added that nearly 8 million people may return to Afghanistan by the end of the year, often under unfavorable and involuntary circumstances. He emphasized that return is only an event, while the real solution must be conditions under which people no longer need assistance.

Concern over the situation in Gaza

Meeting participants also expressed concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip. Denmark’s representative said that 2.1 million residents of the enclave face displacement and an acute need for housing due to ongoing Israeli attacks. China’s representatives called for ensuring supplies of basic goods, countering forced displacement and preventing the annexation of land in Gaza or the occupied West Bank.