Topline
The United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday said it expects more than 8 million people to flee Ukraine this year following Russia’s invasion, more than double the agency’s previous estimate amid Europe’s worst refugee crisis since World War Two.
The UN predicts more than 8 million people will flee Ukraine this year.
Key Facts
The UNHCR estimates some 8.3 million people will flee Ukraine this year, spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said on Tuesday, up from the agency’s original estimate of 4 million.
More than 5 million people have already fled the country and some 7.7 million displaced inside its borders, Mantoo said.
That means over a tenth of Ukraine’s pre-war population of 44 million people has fled the country and around double that proportion has been displaced within Ukraine in the two months since Russia invaded.
Women and children make up the vast majority of those fleeing the country, Mantoo said, comprising around nine in every ten people.
Most have gone to Poland (2.9 million), according to UN data, though many have also fled to other nearby countries including Romania (780,000), Hungary (500,000), Moldova (440,000) and Slovakia (360,000).
Another 13 million people are estimated to be stranded in affected areas inside Ukraine or unable to leave, Mantoo said.
Crucial Quote
“The human impact and the suffering already caused by this war are staggering,” Mantoo said, adding that “families have been torn apart, houses and infrastructure have been destroyed” and millions will feel the lasting impact and “trauma” of war. The humanitarian crisis and mass displacement will continue to grow so long as the war continues, Mantoo warned, calling for $1.85 billion in financial support so the agency and its partners can help support refugees and affected countries.
Key Background
The UN’s projection builds on those from aid organizations, politicians and international groups, who warn of dire conditions for civilians remaining inside Ukraine and danger for those fleeing. Russian forces have repeatedly been accused of targeting civilians and committing war crimes during the invasion, striking cities, evacuation routes, medical facilities and schools. Reclaimed areas around Kyiv, notably Bucha, reportedly show evidence of executed and tortured civilians, revelations that sparked global outrage.
Big Number
6.8 million. That’s how many people have fled Syria, Mantoo said, making it the world’s largest refugee crisis at the moment.
Further Reading
More Than 5 Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine Since Start Of Russia’s Invasion (Forbes)
With bloodied gloves, forensic teams uncover gruesome secrets of Bucha in Ukraine (Guardian)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2022/04/26/un-predicts-more-than-8-million-refugees-will-flee-ukraine-this-year/