taz.de
Record 83.4 Million Internally Displaced in 2024 Due to Conflict and Natural Disasters
In 2024, 83.4 million people were internally displaced globally—a record high—due to conflict and natural disasters, with the US reporting 11 million displacements from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The IDMC highlighted hotspots such as the DRC, occupied Palestinian territories, and Sudan.
- How do the US displacement figures due to natural disasters compare to global trends, and what underlying vulnerabilities do they reveal?
- The surge in global internal displacement is largely attributed to conflict and natural disasters. While 90% of displacements stemmed from violence (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan), the US highlights the significant impact of natural disasters, demonstrating the increasing vulnerability to climate change. The number of displacements also includes those who were displaced multiple times, therefore exceeding the total number of displaced people at the end of the year.
- What were the primary factors driving the record-high number of internally displaced people in 2024, and what are the immediate consequences?
- In 2024, a record 83.4 million people were internally displaced globally, more than double the number six years prior. The US experienced the highest number of displacements due to natural disasters, with 11 million people displaced by hurricanes Helene and Milton, a record since 2008. This figure includes evacuations.
- What systemic issues contribute to the high number of people being repeatedly displaced, and what long-term strategies are needed to address this persistent problem?
- The 2024 displacement figures underscore a critical need for improved disaster preparedness and conflict resolution strategies. The high number of repeat displacements highlights the failure to adequately address the root causes of displacement and the lack of safe and sustainable relocation options for those affected. Continued climate change and unresolved conflicts will likely exacerbate this trend in the coming years.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily through the lens of rising numbers of IDPs, emphasizing the record-high figures. This emphasis, while factually accurate, might inadvertently overshadow the human suffering and individual experiences of those displaced. The repeated use of statistics could lead readers to focus on the quantitative aspect rather than the human cost of displacement.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) due to natural disasters and conflict, but omits discussion of the root causes of these conflicts. While mentioning the Democratic Republic of Congo, occupied Palestinian territories, and Sudan as hotspots, it lacks detailed analysis of the underlying political, economic, or social factors driving displacement in these regions. This omission limits the reader's ability to understand the complexities of the situations and form informed opinions on potential solutions.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit overt gender bias. The focus remains on the overall displacement figures, and gender is not explicitly mentioned in the analysis of causes or consequences of displacement. However, a more nuanced analysis incorporating gender-disaggregated data on displacement and the differential impacts on men and women would be beneficial.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a record number of internally displaced people due to armed conflicts and natural disasters. This directly impacts SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, occupied Palestinian territories, and Sudan are explicitly mentioned as major drivers of displacement, thus undermining peace, justice, and strong institutions in those regions.