RESEARCH reveals that although over 117 million people are displaced worldwide, British awareness of crises in countries like Somalia and Mozambique is surprisingly low.

This fact has been highlighted by Sam Hewett, ShelterBox Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. In a letter to the Tenby Observer, he writes:

“Across countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mozambique, families are fleeing conflict, climate disasters, and deepening poverty. Many have had to escape more than once and are now living in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters with little protection.

“A survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals just how wide the awareness gap is. Only eight per cent knew about the situations in Mozambique and Cameroon, where whole communities have been uprooted by violence. Awareness was only slightly higher for other crises – 12 per cent for Burkina Faso, 28 per cent for Ethiopia, and 37 per cent for Somalia.

“At ShelterBox, the UK‑based disaster relief charity behind the study, we’re responding in all five countries. We support people forced to flee from conflict, the climate crisis, and other disasters with emergency shelter and essential items like solar lights, water filters, and cooking sets.

“Working with the Juba Foundation, we supported Nuria, who left her rural village in Somalia after drought destroyed her livelihood. She walked hundreds of kilometres to Baidoa with her children and several more she had taken in, only to be uprooted again by renewed conflict. Today, she has a sturdy shelter, basic household items, and a land agreement giving her family security.

“While 88 per cent of people surveyed weren’t aware of the scale of global displacement, nearly half said they want to learn more so they can help. At a time when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, this gives real hope. Behind every statistic is a family like Nuria’s – simply trying to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.”

ShelterBox is a Registered Charity (1096479) and a Limited Company in England And Wales (04612652). To find out more, visit https://shelterbox.org or call 0300 0300 500.