Displaced International (DI) Observes the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, Highlighting Its Role in Global Displacement

On this International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, Displaced International (DI) underscores the devastating role of violent extremism in global forced displacement. While precise figures are difficult to determine due to overlapping causes—such as armed conflict, persecution, and political instability—extremist violence remains a significant driver of forced migration worldwide.

“Violent extremism and terrorism—especially in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including Afghanistan—have claimed countless lives, left many maimed, and forcibly displaced millions. Afghans continue to flee the brutal rule of terrorist groups like the Taliban, who target civilians based on political opinion, ethnicity, gender, sect, and affiliation with former governments. These atrocities force many to abandon their homes in search of safety and protection in neighboring countries and beyond. We call on the international community to combat terrorism without distinction, recognizing that no terrorist group adheres to international humanitarian law, and that innocent civilians remain their primary victims,” stated Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari, DI Founder & President.

The Scale of Extremist-Driven Displacement

• Global Displacement: Over 122 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide (UNHCR). While not all fled due to terrorism, extremist violence remains a major factor.
• ISIS & Other Groups: Between 2014 and 2017, ISIS displaced over 6 million people in Iraq and Syria, devastating entire communities.
• Boko Haram: More than 3 million people have been displaced across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger due to Boko Haram’s insurgency.
• Taliban & Terrorist Networks: Years of extremist violence in Afghanistan have led to over 10 million forcibly displaced people. Under Taliban rule, at least 20 regional and global extremist groups now operate freely, perpetuating ongoing instability.
• Sahel & Horn of Africa: Groups like Al-Shabaab and Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) have driven millions from their homes across Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and beyond.

Violent extremism not only fuels mass displacement but also deepens humanitarian crises, disrupts economies, and destabilizes entire regions. DI remains committed to addressing the root causes of forced displacement, advocating for security, resilience, and the protection of affected populations worldwide.