UN: The number of international refugees has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century but civil wars have led to a big rise in those forced to flee their homes while staying within the boundaries of their country, according to a report from the United Nations.
With millions returning to countries such as Afghanistan, Angola and Sierra Leone, refugee numbers now stand at 9.2 million, the lowest figure for 25 years, says The State of the World's Refugees: Human Displacement in the New Millennium. In 1992 the figure was 18 million.
However, there are now some 25 million internally displaced people who do not fall under the 1951 Refugee Convention but who cannot live in their homes.
"People who would otherwise seek safety in neighbouring states are more frequently compelled to remain within the borders of their own country, most often in similar conditions to refugees," said the UN high commissioner for refugees, Antonio Guterres. Internal displacement was the world community's "biggest failure" in terms of humanitarian action, he added.
"In many circumstances, for displaced people the government is part of the problem and not part of the solution," Mr Guterres said. He will today launch the report with Hilary Benn, the UK development secretary.
Fewer conflicts between states has cut the numbers but civil wars have still made people flee their homes. Due to conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan there were 7.5 million internally displaced in 2005. The UNHCR is now embarking on its biggest operation to help displaced people since 1945.
The movement of people and their "forced displacement for political, economic and environmental reasons" will be one of the 21st century's two biggest problems, Mr Guterres, the former Portuguese prime minister, said.