UNHCR continues to help displaced people in north-west Pakistan

July 1, 2009

Dear Educator,

Fighting between the army and Taliban militants in and around the Swat Valley in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province has displaced more than 2 million people since the beginning of May. Some of the displaced are being sheltered in camps set up by the government and supplied by UNHCR. Others - the majority, in fact - are staying in public buildings, such as schools, or with friends and extended family members.

Living conditions are harsh. With the onset of summer, rising temperatures are contributing to a range of ailments, especially for villagers from Swat accustomed to a cooler climate. Pakistan's displacement crisis has triggered an outpouring of generosity at home. UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres is urging a "massive" assistance effort from abroad as well.

Global displacement figure tops 42 million



New statistics released recently by UNHCR show the number of people forcibly uprooted by conflict and persecution worldwide stood at 42 million at the end of last year. This includes 16 million refugees and asylum seekers and 26 million people uprooted within their own countries. Download the Global Trends Report.

World Refugee Day Poster Contest Winners Honored in Washington, DC

The three first place winners of the World Refugee Day poster contest, under the continued patronage of UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie, were flown to Washington, DC, for the World Refugee Day commemoration last month. View the winning artwork, which is on display at the National Geographic Museum.

In Jalala camp, displaced young girls and men queue separately for cooked food donated by private citizens and the Pakistani government.
UNHCR/H.Caux