ROMA – There is an appeal today fromUN Refugee Agencyi, (UNHCR) to urgently provide life-saving assistance to millions of people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Ukraine and Moldova. For millions of refugees and displaced persons, in fact, the hardest, most difficult and dangerous period of the year has begun. Winter poses real risks to the survival of many fleeing families. As emerges from the UNHCR report Mid YearTrendsthe number of people around the world fleeing conflict, violence and persecution has exceeded a record 122 million. For many of them, especially for refugees and displaced people in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan, the current winter promises to be one of the worst winters ever. The record 122 million represents an increase of 5 percent, or 5.3 million more people, compared to the end of 2023.
87% of the displaced populations come from low-income countries. For over 12 years the number of people forcibly displaced has continued to grow. As of the end of June 2024, 1 in 67 people worldwide were still forcibly displaced, nearly double the 1 in 114 people a decade ago. The majority of forcibly displaced people, 87 percent, live in low- and middle-income countries. UNHCR estimates that forced displacement has further increased since June 2024 and, barring rapid positive developments in one or more major displacement situations, will continue to increase in 2024.
“Another winter away from home.” Therefore, hundreds of thousands of families are unable to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures, do not have winter clothes and blankets or even sufficient resources to pay the rent and buy food and medicine. Urgently raising funds to immediately provide life-saving aid to refugees and displaced people is the aim of the UNHCR campaign launching today, entitled: “Another winter away from home” and which includes 8 countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Ukraine and Moldova.
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In addition to providing essential supplies, what psychosocial support services are crucial for refugees to cope with the psychological trauma of displacement, especially during the isolating and harsh winter months?
## World Today News Interview: Facing the Winter Crisis
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are discussing the urgent humanitarian crisis facing millions of refugees and displaced persons as winter approaches. We are joined by two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Anya Petrova:** A UNHCR representative with extensive experience in winter relief efforts.
* **Mr. Khalil Ahmad:** A Syrian refugee currently living in Lebanon, who will share his personal experiences and perspective.
**Section 1: The Global Scale of Displacement**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, the UNHCR report paints a stark picture – over 122 million people globally are forcibly displaced. Could you elaborate on the factors driving this unprecedented crisis and the specific challenges posed by winter?
**Dr. Petrova:** (Answers, highlighting factors like conflict, violence, persecution, climate change, and the disproportionate impact on low-income countries. also mentions challenges like freezing temperatures, lack of shelter, inadequate clothing, food insecurity, and disease).
**Host:** Mr. Ahmad, as someone who has experienced displacement firsthand, could you tell us about the impact winter has had on your life and your community in Lebanon?
**Mr. Ahmad:** (Shares personal story about the challenges of winter, including difficulty finding warm clothes, fuel for heating, and coping with health issues exacerbated by the cold).
**Section 2: The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, the UNHCR has launched a campaign titled “Another Winter Away From Home.” Can you tell us more about the campaign’s goals and how individuals can contribute?
**Dr. Petrova:** (Explains the campaign’s focus on providing life-saving aid like warm clothing, blankets, shelter, food, and medical assistance. Outlines different ways people can help, including donations, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes).
**Host:** Mr. Ahmad, what kind of support would make the biggest difference for refugees like yourself this winter?
**Mr. Ahmad:** (Expresses gratitude for existing aid and highlights the specific needs of the community, such as access to warm sanitation facilities, winterized shelters, and psychosocial support).
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: Solutions and Sustainability**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, beyond immediate relief efforts, what long-term solutions are needed to address the root causes of displacement and create more sustainable conditions for refugees?
**Dr. Petrova:** (Discusses the importance of diplomacy, conflict resolution, tackling injustice and poverty, promoting inclusive societies, and investing in sustainable development and climate action).
**Host:** Mr. Ahmad, what message would you like to share with the world about the resilience and hope of refugees despite the challenges they face?
**Mr. Ahmad:** (Shares a personal message of hope, resilience, and the desire for a future of peace and opportunity).
**Conclusion:**
We thank Dr. Petrova and Mr. Ahmad for their insights and powerful testimony. The winter ahead will be challenging for millions of displaced people. We urge our viewers to learn more about the UNHCR’s “Another Winter Away From Home” campaign and consider how they can contribute to providing crucial support to those in need.
**Call to Action:**
Visit the UNHCR website to learn more about the campaign and donate.
(Display UNHCR website link and social media handles on screen).
