I. Introduction

Chapter:

7. Coping with crises: forced displacement in fragile contexts

Source:

SIPRI Yearbook 2017

Author(s):

Lina Grip

Since 2013, the world has been experiencing an upward trend in the number of displaced persons, including refugees. The global number of refugees under the United Nations mandate was estimated to be 21.3 million at the end of 2015—the largest recorded number of refugees in the past two decades and approximately 1.7 million more than the total reported 12 months earlier. In addition to the 21.3 million refugees, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported 40.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 3.2 million asylum seekers at the end of 2015.¹ This upward trend is explained partly by new displacement and partly by protracted crises that have resulted in relatively few returnees.² One of the key characteristics of the ongoing displacement crises, both new and protracted, is a causal relation between displacement and conflict, giving rise to large-scale displacement in fragile, violent contexts. Given these characteristics, it is necessary to understand and better address the issue of forced displacement in fragile contexts in order to prevent local and regional conflicts, increase security and build sustainable peace.