The IRC’s David Miliband responds to UNHCR refugee numbers ahead of World Refugee Day

London, UK, June 14, 2023 —  The International Rescue Committee responds to UNHCR’s release today of refugee figures.

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said, 

“Today’s UNHCR figures reveal that of the 108.4 million displaced globally, 76 percent of the world’s refugees are hosted in low and middle-income countries. 62.5 million are internally-displaced. The responsibility to support displaced people has therefore not been shared equitably by the international community. 

“Meanwhile the UK offered asylum protection to just 18,234 individuals in the year ending March 2023 - all while the UK Government is seeking to close its borders and criminalise routes to seek asylum in the UK.

“By pushing forward with the so-called ‘Illegal Migration’ Bill, the UK is not only shunning its responsibilities, it is failing to stand shoulder to shoulder with those in need.”