On this World Refugee Day, we solemnly recognize the devastating impact on all who have been driven from their homes by conflict, insecurity, and natural disaster. The number of refugees in the world today is staggering and historic - 120 million have been forcibly displaced to escape conflict, persecution, or because of the impact of natural disasters.
The causes of forced displacement are numerous and complex - ranging from conflict to economic collapse to climate change - but the impacts on the most vulnerable are dire. From Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 to the outbreak of fighting in Sudan in 2023, conflict remains the primary driver of displacement and the alarming rise of food insecurity, particularly among refugees and the most vulnerable. This year, Sudan has become the world's largest displacement crisis, with more than 9 million people forced to flee their homes since conflict erupted more than a year ago. Every person facing threats - no matter who they are or where they come from - has the right to seek safety and to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
For more than 60 years, USAID has supported refugees by providing emergency food assistance to help them to survive, feed their families, and restore stability and dignity. USAID is the largest donor of emergency food aid to refugees globally, reaching tens of millions of people in 32 countries last year alone. USAID also addresses the needs of the communities that host refugee populations by providing livelihood support, and promoting resilience in face of economic and agricultural challenges brought by climate shocks, so that they can help others in times of need.
Together with our colleagues at the U.S. Department of State, we work to reach millions of forcibly displaced people with life-saving aid while empowering them with tools to rebuild their lives. Today, and everyday, we stand with the millions of refugees around the world, and the host countries and communities that support them.
