The acute global crisis of refugees and migrants continues in the world, which significantly affects their fate, especially children. According to the latest statistics, as of April 2024, the number of refugees and migrants in the world continues to grow. According to the United Nations, in 2024 their total number will be more than 82 million people, which is the highest figure in recent decades. At the same time, most refugees come from countries experiencing armed conflicts, political instability and economic crisis. Most of all, these are residents of Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan and Myanmar.
In addition to refugees, the total number of migrants in the world is also increasing. According to the International Organization for Migration, in 2024 it amounted to more than 280 million people. This means that almost 4% of the world’s population are migrants.
The first country that receives the most refugees and migrants is Germany. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular countries for migrants, thanks to its strong economy and social programs for immigrants. As of April 2024, the number of refugees and migrants in Germany is about 1.5 million people.
Another country is the United States of America, which has always been an attractive country for migrants from all over the world. In recent years, the number of refugees and migrants in the United States has increased to 1.2 million people. However, it is worth noting that the migration policy in the US has become more restrictive, which may affect the future flow of migrants.
The third place is occupied by Canada, it is known for its open policy on migration. As of April 2024, the number of refugees and migrants in Canada is about 900 thousand people. The country actively attracts specialists from all over the world, which contributes to its economic development.
The fourth place is taken by Sweden, attractive for its humanitarian policy and openness to refugees. As of April 2024, the number of refugees and migrants in Sweden is about 600 thousand people. However, Sweden has recently begun to change its migration policy due to growing tensions in society.
The fifth place is given to France, it has always been a popular country for migrants due to its culture and history. As of April 2024, the number of refugees and migrants in France is about 500 thousand people. However, recently France has also been changing its migration policy due to growing tensions in society and the threat of terrorism.
The sixth place on the list is occupied by Australia, known for its strict migration policy. As of April 2024, the number of refugees and migrants in Australia is about 400 thousand people. The country actively controls its borders and tries to attract only highly qualified workers.
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 6.2 million Ukrainians have gone abroad since the beginning of the war. On the other hand, the statistics published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine are quite different: at the end of June 2024, more than 8 million Ukrainians lived outside the borders of the night state, which actually makes up more than 20% of the entire population of Ukraine. Of them, there are about 6 million Ukrainians in Europe.
According to research by the Public Network OPORA, almost half of refugees now live in Poland: 22%, Germany — 14.6%, the United States — 11%. Also, many citizens of Ukraine found refuge in the Czech Republic — 7.9%, Italy — 5%, Canada — 4.9%, Spain — 3.4%, and other countries. According to the European Statistical Service, the largest share of Ukrainian refugees are women (mostly aged 35–49) and children.
One of the biggest challenges related to the global crisis of refugees, migrants and their children is the need to ensure their safety, as well as the protection of human rights. Many of them face abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, some of them end up with “live commodity” traders. Countries that receive refugees and migrants do not always provide them with adequate living conditions and access to basic services such as education and health care.
In addition, the global crisis of refugees and migrants has a significant economic impact on the countries that host these people. On the one hand, migrants can bring economic benefits by working and paying taxes. On the other hand, a large number of refugees and migrants can put pressure on social infrastructure and services such as housing and health care.
To solve the global crisis of refugees and migrants, and first of all, their children, international cooperation and coordination is needed. Countries should work together to develop and implement policies that ensure the safety and protection of the rights of immigrant refugees. It is also important to provide them with access to basic services and opportunities for integration into the new society. Governments of countries should cooperate more actively with non-governmental and international organizations that provide effective assistance to refugees, migrants and their children.
