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1 1 (September 20, 2018)

handle is hein.crs/govzce0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Cogrsioa Resarc Seric 0 Updated September 20, 2018 Overview of the Global Humanitarian and Displacement Crisis The world is experiencing what many experts say is an unprecedented humanitarian and displacement crisis. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that in 2018 more than 134 million people worldwide required humanitarian assistance and protection as a result of conflict and disaster. The United States is the single largest donor, consistently providing nearly one-third (more than $7 billion in FY2016 and $9.3 billion in FY2017) of total global humanitarian assistance. Congress enacted $9.4 billion for global humanitarian accounts in FY2018. Types of Crises and Affected Populations According to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2017, more than 68.5 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide due to armed conflict, widespread or indiscriminate violence, and/or human rights violations. Those displaced included 25.4 million refugees, 3.1 million asylum seekers, and 40 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). UNHCR estimates that 10 million people remained stateless. Large, forcibly displaced populations included Syrians, Afghans, Rohingya, Colombians, Congolese, Iraqis, Nigerians, Somalis, Sudanese, South Sudanese, and Yemenis. Millions of people a year are also affected by natural disasters and often require prolonged and urgent assistance. These events may be sudden (such as earthquakes or storms) or protracted (like drought conditions). On average, 26 million people are displaced annually due to disasters. Key Populations of Concern Refugees, who have fled their country of origin because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group. Refugees are unwilling or unable to avail themselves of the protection of their home government due to fears of persecution. Once granted refugee status, a person has certain rights and protections under international law. Asylum-seekers, who flee their home country and seek sanctuary in another state where they apply for asylum, i.e., the right to be recognized as a refugee. They may receive legal protection and assistance while their formal status is determined. Returnees, who are refugees voluntarily returned to their country of origin. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who have been forced from their homes often for many of the same reasons as refugees but have not crossed an international border. Stateless persons, who are not considered to be citizens of any state under national laws. Other populations, such as children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are particularly vulnerable. Some populations move voluntarily while others are forced to flee. Migrants, who often leave poverty and unemployment to seek better opportunities or family reunification, numbered approximately 258 million in 2017. Refugees and others displaced involuntarily often face a different set of circumstances. Instead of choosing to leave their place of origin, they may be forced to do so for reasons such as armed conflict, ethnic strife, violence, human rights violations, or natural disasters. For many, their status is uncertain, leaving them at risk of exploitation. Figure I. Refugees and IDPs, as of 2015 Refugees UP to (cumulative total as of 2015) 50K 300K 750K 16M 2.SM Conflict IDPs (cumulative total as of 2015) up to 10K 500K 4M 6.6M Source: Created by CRS using data from UNHCR and IDMC. U.S. Policy The United States is a major contributor to humanitarian relief efforts in international crises and disaster situations. The key U.S. agencies providing humanitarian assistance include the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense. In the past five fiscal years (FY2013-FY2017), the United States has provided over $36 billion in humanitarian assistance. Congress has given the President broad authority on humanitarian issues and flexibility to respond to disasters with a wide range of assistance. On a bipartisan basis, it has consistently supported humanitarian efforts as a means of responding to natural disasters and conflict-induced crises in the short term, mitigating humanitarian impacts, and promoting a U.S. presence. Ittps:/crsreports.congress.go

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