The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says the Asia-Pacific region remains the most disaster-affected area in the world, with millions impacted every year.
In its latest humanitarian figures released on Tuesday, OCHA said “three out of four disaster – affected people live in the Asia and the Pacific region.”.
The agency said exposure to disasters in the region is significantly higher than elsewhere.
“Six times more likely that a person in the region will be affected by disasters compared to someone outside the region.”
OCHA also warned that progress on the United Nations global development targets is off track.
“0 SDG Goals are on track to be achieved for 2030 (out of 17 goals).
On the current trajectory, the region will miss 88 percent of its measurable SDG targets by 2030 i.e. it will fail to achieve 103 out of 117 measurable targets.”
According to the report, several Asia-Pacific countries rank among the most affected globally by extreme weather.
“Nine countries in the Asia-Pacific region rank among the top 20 most affected countries globally by extreme weather events, based on the Climate Risk Index (CRI) analysis of 174 countries (Myanmar, Philippines, India, Viet Nam, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vanuatu).”
The humanitarian situation across the region remains severe, with millions affected by disasters and displacement.
“70 million people are affected by disaster per year.”
OCHA said natural hazards remain a major driver of displacement.
“24 million international displacements (movements) caused by natural hazards.”
Conflict and violence also continue to force people from their homes.
“1.5 million internal displacements (movements) caused by conflict/violence.”
The agency said the region hosts millions of displaced people.
“7.1 million internal displacements peoples in Asia Pacific region.”
It also reported large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers.
“6.4 million refugees & asylum seekers.”
OCHA also highlighted the disproportionate impact of poverty on women.
“2 out of 3 people in poverty in the region are women.”
Food insecurity remains a major challenge.
“69 million people are acutely food insecure (25 percent of global total).”
Child malnutrition is also a major concern across the region.
“23 percent prevalence of Stunting among Children under 5 (52 percent of children affected globally),” said OCHA in a statement.
