The surprising link between political strategy and health policies
War is a harrowing ordeal, leaving behind a trail of devastation wherever it strikes. Over the ages, countless individuals have been uprooted from their homes, compelled to embark on perilous voyages in search of safety and asylum. These citizens are victims of situations largely out of their control and typically receive little outside help.
Read on to learn more about the worst refugee crises in history.
The crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has been ongoing since the partition of Mandatory Palestine in 1947, making it the longest-running humanitarian crisis.
Israel launched a major offensive into the Gaza Strip on the evening of October 27, 2023. The operation aimed to eradicate Hamas, who had carried out an attack on Israel on October 7, and to rescue hostages held by the group. In response, Israel declared a state of war, tightened its blockade, evacuated the northern Gaza Strip, and initiated 'Operation Swords of Iron.'
According to a report released by the humanitarian group Refugees International, Israel has consistently and unfoundedly obstructed aid operations in Gaza. While a famine situation has not yet been declared in Gaza, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative has activated its famine review committee to assess the situation.
Since Russian president Vladimir Putin initiated his "special military operation" and invaded Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have relocated westward to avoid the violence.
The complete impact of Russia's invasion remains unclear, but records show over eight million Ukrainians have become refugees in Europe, with an additional five million displaced within the country.
World War II, lasting from 1939 to 1945, saw millions displaced from their homes as Axis and Allied powers clashed in Europe and the Pacific. The horrors of this conflict are well known, with widespread devastation and suffering impacting countless people during this time.
Research on the refugee crisis resulting from the biggest war in history estimates that the total number of displaced people ranges from 40 to 60 million.
After World War II, the winners changed many national borders without much thought for social and ethnic ties that had been established for years.
India and Pakistan were divided in 1947 based on religious boundaries set by England. The resulting line caused a large migration and led to a crisis with 20 million refugees fleeing both countries.
Another crisis in present-day Bangladesh emerged due to the hasty partition of India and Pakistan, leading to conflict and unrest.
Prior to 1971, Bangladesh was referred to as East Pakistan. The war for independence in Bangladesh led to a large refugee crisis, displacing approximately 10 million people.
The Great War, triggered by the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, was the biggest conflict the world had experienced until then.
The conflicts in Europe led to the displacement of around 14 million people, due to the constantly shifting Eastern and Western fronts.
The conflict in Syria started in 2015 and has caused widespread destruction. The ongoing guerilla warfare has greatly impacted the people living in the country, taking a significant toll on the population.
Over 13 million Syrians have had to leave their homes and find refuge in other places. Additionally, 6.7 million people have been internally displaced, being forced to abandon their residences but staying within the country.
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and stayed until 1988, leading to years of conflict.
Frequent clashes between the Soviet-backed communist government and the US-backed mujahideen rebels caused many Afghans to flee their homes out of fear of the violence occurring all around them. Around 6.2 million people were affected by the conflict.
Since 2014, civil unrest has been causing turmoil in Venezuela's streets.
The crisis continues with violence and food insecurity spreading rapidly, leading to over six million individuals fleeing to neighboring countries. There is no end in sight to the ongoing turmoil.
The civil conflict in South Sudan, lasting from 2013 to 2020, led to the largest refugee crisis in African history.
The conflict between the government and resistance groups resulted in the displacement of over four million individuals.
The many wars for independence in Yugoslavia led to Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II.
Yugoslavia was divided into six countries, causing two million people to flee the war-torn region.
The invasion of Iraq by the US in 2003 led to a lasting conflict in the country, with repercussions that continue to impact the region to this day.
Over 9.2 million Iraqis were forced out of their homes due to the violence, and have either sought refuge in nearby nations or are still displaced within the country.
In 1994, a plane carrying Rwandan President Habyarimana and President Ntaryamira of Burundi was shot down. This event instigated a horrific genocide in Rwanda, resulting in the deaths of 800,000 people.
Aside from the significant death toll, the Rwandan genocide also led to more than two million individuals fleeing the nation in search of safety and refuge.
For 30 years, Somalia has been torn by internal conflict, natural disasters, and food shortages, forcing many citizens to flee to nearby countries for refuge and safety.
Hundreds of thousands have fled to neighboring countries, while more than 3 million people remain displaced within the country fighting starvation.
Sources: (Epimonia) (World Vision) (Center for Disaster Philanthropy)
See also: How international law fails to protect civilian life
The most significant refugee crises in history
More than 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza
LIFESTYLE Refugees
War is a harrowing ordeal, leaving behind a trail of devastation wherever it strikes. Over the ages, countless individuals have been uprooted from their homes, compelled to embark on perilous voyages in search of safety and asylum. These citizens are victims of situations largely out of their control and typically receive little outside help.
Read on to learn more about the worst refugee crises in history.