[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on the topic of refugees, migrants, and IDPs and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Refugees and Migrants Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. It is updated monthly. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each month's roundup to info@jadaliyya.com.]

Interagency statement: Military escalation could worsen suffering for vulnerable communities in Northern Syria 

There has been an increase in military action in parts of northwest and northeast Syria, resulting in fear of further conflict impacting populated civilian areas and crowded humanitarian displacement sites. Numerous humanitarian organizations call on parties to refrain from violence.

In South Sudan as aid fails to keep pace with spiraling hunger crisis 

7.7 million people in Sudan face severe food shortages, with 2.2 million people at risk of starvation. This crisis, accompanied by frequent flooding and ongoing conflict, has left vulnerable communities struggling. Approximately one million people have been forced to flee their homes to seek food and shelter.  

Warring Parties in Yemen Silent Amid Reports of Migrant Abuse 

Numerous UN experts informed the Saudi government and Houthi forces of a series of grave allegations concerning rights abuses against migrants and asylum seekers, including killings, torture, and sexual abuse. The experts warn that migrants passing through Yemen can be subject to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and forced to traffic drugs. There has been no response to these allegations.

WHO supports nationwide integrated immunization campaign in the midst of drought: 2.61 million children vaccinated against measles and polio 

With constant drought conditions and emanating displacements of populations, Somalia is experiencing a humanitarian crisis, wherein 3.6 million children under five years of age are at risk. The WHO has collaborated with UNICEF to support federal and state ministries of health to immunize all eligible children under five years of age from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Thousands displaced by escalating conflict in South Sudan’s Greater Upper Nile Region 

The alarming increase in armed conflict in South Sudan has displaced at least 20,000, with 3,000 people fleeing to neighboring Sudan. This has intensified the refugee crisis in South Sudan, the largest in Africa. Women and children, along with other vulnerable communities, are at high risk of displacement. 

More than 11,000 children killed or injured in Yemen 

The conflict in Yemen has resulted in the death of more than 11,000 children. While the UN-brokered truce has significantly reduced the intensity of the conflict from the beginning of October till November, 62 children have been killed or injured. Hundreds of thousands of Yemen’s children are malnourished, require health services, and are experiencing a severe education crisis. UNICEF requests an increase in funding to respond to humanitarian needs.

Nearly 8.3 million people across Somalia face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse acute food insecurity outcomes 

An updated IPC Acute Food Insecurity and Famine Risk Analyses conducted in November 2022 illustrate the cumulative impacts of consecutive seasons of poor rainfall and drought will lead to worsening humanitarian conditions. This has furthered population displacement from rural areas to internally displaced settlements in urban towns and cities. These settlements have high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity. 

South Sudan: UN Human Rights Chief urges end to violence in Upper Nile State 

In the last four months, at least 166 civilians have been killed and 237 injured due to armed clashes between rival community-based militias in the Upper Nile State of South Sudan. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, states these killings, in addition to gender-based violence, abductions, and destruction of property, are severe human rights abuses. Many civilians have been subject to forced displacement by the threat of violence.   

FIFA’s ‘Best World Cup Ever’ Came at Migrant Workers’ Loss

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reported their governing body is set to earn $7.5 billion in revenue. Yet, FIFA failed to commit to compensating migrant workers who built the $220 billion in stadiums and tournament infrastructure. While FIFA has a human rights policy, FIFA supported Qatar’s unsafe working conditions and wage theft. 

Somalia: FAO calls for fully funded, at-scale and sustained life-saving and livelihoods support to pull people from the brink of famine 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN requests funding to support the immediate needs of rural communities facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity and famine. The drought conditions have left pastoral and farming communities unable to cope and provide sustenance. This has contributed to widespread famine and displacement of rural communities. 

US$1.7 billion needed to support the most vulnerable in South Sudan in 2023 

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan calls for $1.7 billion to assist vulnerable communities in 2023. This response plan addresses endemic violence, environmental disasters, food insecurity, education inaccessibility, and poor health systems. It prioritizes supporting people with urgent humanitarian and protection needs, particularly women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. 

North East Syria: Almost 7,000 children still trapped in unsafe camps despite 60% increase in repatriations in 2022, says Save the Children 

While repatriation rates have increased, violence continues to persist in North East Syrian camps housing displaced people following the collapse of the Islamic State. Over a month ago, in the most recent instance of violence in al-Hol Camp, two Egyptian girls, aged 12 and 15, were killed, and their younger brother went missing. 

Border security discussed at landmark Syrian-Turkish talks-Turkish official 

Turkey and Syria’s defense ministries engaged in border security talks to address terrorism, immigration issues, and territorial integrity. While Turkey hosts at least 3.7 million Syrian refugees, an official emphasized “that immigration from Syria to Turkey was no longer welcome” due to the negative public sentiment amid economic turmoil. However, Turkish and Syrian ministers affirmed the importance of continuing joint dialogues for the sake of stability in Syria and throughout the region. 

Libya says boat with 700 Europe-bound migrants intercepted 

The eastern coast of Libya’s coast guard has intercepted a vessel carrying approximately 700 migrants. This has been one of the largest interceptions in the last months. A statement notes the migrants came from varying nations, and those entering Libya illegally would be handed to their home countries. In recent years, Libya has emerged as a dominant transit point for refugees seeking a better standard of living in Europe.