Final answer:
Forced migration results in the displacement of individuals due to external threats like conflict or natural disasters. The UNHCR reported about 79.5 million displaced persons worldwide by the end of 2019. Refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced people face challenges that require global cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forced migration or displacement refers to situations where individuals or populations are compelled to leave their homes due to external pressures such as war, violence, persecution, or natural disasters. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides estimates and assistance in this humanitarian crisis. By the end of 2019, the UNHCR reported approximately 79.5 million displaced persons globally. This massive displacement affects every demographic, importantly including children, who make up half of the displaced populations.
Refugees, one categorization of displaced individuals, must cross international boundaries for safety, often arriving in dire conditions and facing challenges such as lack of food, clothing, and employment opportunities. The 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention protects these individuals under international law. The recent refugee crises, such as those emerging from the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and the 2023 earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, have added to the severity and immediacy of forced migration issues. Internally displaced people (IDPs) stay within their country's borders but also face tremendous hardships due to their displacement.
Addressing the needs of refugees and asylum-seekers is a global challenge involving legal, logistical, and humanitarian efforts. Specific United Nations programs and various countries provide aid to assist these vulnerable groups, but the sheer number of displaced individuals continues to pose significant challenges internationally.