Connected by Humanity: standing with the forcibly displaced in Ramadan and beyond

Written by/ Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar.

As we mark the holy month of Ramadan, a time that calls us to show mercy and extend our hands to those in need, it is a time to remember the less fortunate and reflect on how we can lend them a hand. In a world increasingly marked by escalating conflict and violence, millions of men, women, and children are facing unimaginable challenges. New displacement is on the rise, with countless individuals fleeing violence across the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine and other corners of the world. The plight of the forcibly displaced is marked by extreme vulnerabilities, with millions of people trapped in situations of prolonged exile, unable to safely return home and lacking the possibility to rebuild their lives in the places they have fled to. As the number of forcibly displaced persons continues to grow, so too does the urgent call for immediate and collective action.

The world is currently witnessing a surge in displacement crises. In Sudan, more than 12.8 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the outbreak of fighting in April 2023. This includes over 3.7 million who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, and 8.8 million displaced within Sudan, making it the largest displacement crisis globally. The Middle East is similarly affected, with escalating tensions in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. In Ukraine, the devastating impact of the armed conflict has displaced 6.9 million people, with countless others enduring the bleak realities of war.

In addition to the ongoing crises, for years, the situations in Afghanistan, among the Rohingya refugees, and in Yemen, have been largely forgotten. Afghanistan, while no longer in the headlines as it once was, continues to grapple with the long-lasting impacts of conflict, remaining heavily reliant on humanitarian aid amidst an ongoing economic crisis and extreme poverty. Meanwhile, the deteriorating security situation in Myanmar has had a ripple effect on the over 1 million Rohingya refugees living across the Bangladeshi border in camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. And in Yemen, millions of displaced people face increasingly dire conditions as the country’s prolonged crisis worsens, compounded by climate change and catastrophic flooding. These communities continue to endure harsh conditions, with limited prospects for a safe and stable future.

As we reflect on the challenges faced by displaced populations, it is essential to recognise countries like the State of Qatar who has long been a prominent example of a nation that stands in solidarity with refugees. Through its contributions to UNHCR’s programmes, the Qatari government and local organisations have been a beacon of hope for those in desperate need of assistance, providing crucial support including education, healthcare, shelter, basic assistance and economic empowerment, to millions of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). While we are proud of this steadfast partnership, we must acknowledge that the work is far from over. The needs continue to grow, and so must our collective effort.

Ramadan teaches us the values of empathy and community. It reminds us that we are all part of a shared global family. It is in this spirit that we must stand together with displaced populations. They are not strangers; they are mothers, fathers, children, and elders who, like us, have dreams for a safe and prosperous future. Our common humanity connects us, and our shared responsibility compels us to act. Now, more than ever, we must come together, hand in hand, to offer our support, stand by those forced to flee, and ensure they are not left behind during this blessed month and beyond. We are, after all, connected by humanity, and strengthened by community.