Syrian children play in a refugee camp in Lebanon in April. There were more than 11 million refugee children last year. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo
Syrian children play in a refugee camp in Lebanon in April. There were more than 11 million refugee children last year. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo
Syrian children play in a refugee camp in Lebanon in April. There were more than 11 million refugee children last year. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo
Syrian children play in a refugee camp in Lebanon in April. There were more than 11 million refugee children last year. Hassan Ammar / AP Photo

UN: Refugee numbers reached record in 2016


Colin Randall
  • English
  • Arabic

A record 65.6 million people were forced from their homes in troubled areas of the world by the end of last year, the United Nations said on Monday.

Global Trends, the annual report from the UN refugee agency, said "forced displacements" took place every three seconds.

It said 22.5 million people – more than half of them children – were classed as refugees, having fled conflict, persecution, violence or breaches of human rights.

The report marks World Refugee Day on Tuesday.

Most of those under the agency’s mandate came from Syria (5.5 million), Afghanistan (2.5 million) and South Sudan (1.4 million).

The global community of refugees includes 5.3 million Palestinians, who are registered with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

In South Sudan, officials warned about an escalating crisis, where civil war has killed many people and caused ethnic genocide.

They said the “disastrous breakdown of peace efforts” last summer significantly worsened the situation since the report was compiled.

The number of South Sudanese refugees has risen to about 1.9 million this year, with a similar number internally displaced, said the UN refugee agency.

South Sudan “is a huge, international-scale crisis since the refugees are dispersed among a number of countries that are in many cases poorer”, it said.

Contrary to public belief, most refugees did not move to Europe, with a third of them ending up in the world’s least developed countries, said the agency.

The number of displaced people rose by 300,000 in 2015 to 65.6 million at the end of December. But the yearly rate of increase is slowing after rising by millions a year over the previous three years.

Although 6.5 million refugees returned to their countries last year, they often did so in what the refugee agency called less than ideal circumstances.

Slightly fewer than 190,000 refugees were accepted for resettlement in 37 countries.

By the end of last year, Syria had 12 million forcibly displaced people, and was the source of the largest number of refugees.

“With 650 out of every 1,000 people [uprooted], Syria is the only country in which the experience of forced displacement now affects the majority of the population,” said the report.

The crisis in Syria had caused other emergencies, such as South Sudan’s civil war, to be overshadowed, said the report.

“These continued to cause significant humanitarian needs, especially in the countries least able to respond to them,” said the UN.

Conflict and violence led to more displacements of people in countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ukraine. They also stopped those fleeing from returning home.

The UN report also highlighted attempts by refugees and migrants to seek safety by crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

In Germany and Sweden, the population of refugees and asylum seekers grew to 1.3 million and 313,000 respectively last year. Figures from Germany showed the number of refugees in the country rose from 316,000 to 669,000 last year, with a clear majority from Syria (375,000), Iraq (86,000) and Afghanistan (46,000).

For the third year in a row, Turkey bore the burden of hosting the most number of refugees, with 2.9 million. There were 1.4 million refugees in Pakistan and 1 million in Lebanon.

The worldwide number of asylum seekers – which the UN refugee agency defines as “people who are seeking international protection but whose refugee status is yet to be determined” – reached 2.8 million at the end of last year.

The UN report said its findings added up to “an immense human cost of war and persecution globally”. The total “means that on average, one in every 113 people worldwide is today someone who is displaced”, said Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees.

“By any measure this is an unacceptable number and it speaks louder than ever to the need for solidarity and common purpose in preventing and resolving

crises,” he said. “And ensuring together that the world’s refugees – internally displaced and asylum seekers – are properly protected and cared for while solutions are pursued.

“We have to do better for these people. For a world in conflict, what is needed is determination and courage, not fear.”

Mr Grandi marked the release of the report with a visit to South Sudan. He travelled to the country’s second-largest camp for internally displaced people, in the town of Bentiu.

Conditions at the camp are dire but the 120,000 people living in “rows of tented squalor” were too scared to leave.

The UN cited the example of Angelina Wicyote, 39, a mother of eight who said she had been chased by gunmen even though she had only left the camp to gather firewood.

“The international neglect that you see here is matched nowhere else in the world,” said Mr Grandi. “Wherever you look there are dead ends.”

The only solution, he said, was peace. “I was hoping South Sudan wouldn’t need UNHCR any more. Unfortunately, our services are still required.”

foreign.desk@thenational.ae

* Additional reporting by Associated Press​

57%20Seconds
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rusty%20Cundieff%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJosh%20Hutcherson%2C%20Morgan%20Freeman%2C%20Greg%20Germann%2C%20Lovie%20Simone%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CHELSEA'S NEXT FIVE GAMES

Mar 10: Norwich(A)

Mar 13: Newcastle(H)

Mar 16: Lille(A)

Mar 19: Middlesbrough(A)

Apr 2: Brentford(H)

Teams

Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi

Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag

Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC

Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC

Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan

Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes

Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
WITHIN%20SAND
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Moe%20Alatawi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Ra%E2%80%99ed%20Alshammari%2C%20Adwa%20Fahd%2C%20Muhand%20Alsaleh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

ACL Elite (West) - fixtures

Monday, Sept 30

Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)

Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0DJemma%20Eley%2C%20Maria%20Michailidou%2C%20Molly%20Fuller%2C%20Chloe%20Andrews%20(of%20Dubai%20College)%2C%20Eliza%20Petricola%2C%20Holly%20Guerin%2C%20Yasmin%20Craig%2C%20Caitlin%20Gowdy%20(Dubai%20English%20Speaking%20College)%2C%20Claire%20Janssen%2C%20Cristiana%20Morall%20(Jumeirah%20English%20Speaking%20School)%2C%20Tessa%20Mies%20(Jebel%20Ali%20School)%2C%20Mila%20Morgan%20(Cranleigh%20Abu%20Dhabi).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Coal Black Mornings

Brett Anderson

Little Brown Book Group 

'Peninsula'

Stars: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Ra

Director: ​Yeon Sang-ho

Rating: 2/5

The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in

RESULTS

Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ) by decision.

Women’s bantamweight
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) beat Cornelia Holm (SWE) by unanimous decision.

Welterweight
Omar Hussein (PAL) beat Vitalii Stoian (UKR) by unanimous decision.

Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) beat Ali Dyusenov (UZB) by unanimous decision.

Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) beat Delfin Nawen (PHI) TKO round-3.

Catchweight 80kg​​​​​​​
Seb Eubank (GBR) beat Emad Hanbali (SYR) KO round 1.

Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Ramadan Noaman (EGY) TKO round 2.

Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) beat Reydon Romero (PHI) submission 1.

Welterweight
Juho Valamaa (FIN) beat Ahmed Labban (LEB) by unanimous decision.

Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) beat Austin Arnett (USA) by unanimous decision.

Super heavyweight
Maciej Sosnowski (POL) beat Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) by submission round 1.

Super 30

Produced: Sajid Nadiadwala and Phantom Productions
Directed: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Srivastav, Mrinal Thakur
Rating: 3.5 /5

SPECS

Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 306hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500