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Half of the world's refugees live in cities: UNCHR
Up to half of the world's refugee population is now living in cities and towns, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reports.
Afghan refugees
UNHCR notes that refugees, like more than three billion other people worldwide, have been steadily moving to cities, particularly in the developing world.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, says "we need to abandon the outmoded image that most refugees live in sprawling camps of UNHCR tents."
The annual "High Commissioner's Dialogue" to be held later this week in Geneva will focus on protection challenges in the context of urbanization.
UNHCR reports that refugees are struggling to survive in the urban landscape. Many prefer to remain "invisible" as they fear deportation. Refugees also work in the informal sector, making them subject to exploitation.
And they are forced to live in overcrowded slums and shanty towns, where there is little or no access to health and social services.
Dianne Penn, UN Radio.
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