Alarming Trends Face Children and Families of World's 21st Largest Country

New analysis of forcibly displaced people finds world's fastest-growing population also among the youngest, and nearly last in school attendance

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Save the Children

Sep 13, 2016, 07:00 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The world's 65.3 million forcibly displaced people — who would make up the world's 21^st largest country based on population — are falling far behind others in terms of education, health, child marriage, and other key factors, a new report by Save the Children illustrates.

Masa*, 5, in a Save the Children child friendly space in southern Turkey. Photo credit: Ahmad Baroudi/Save the Children

Nadia * and her sister Sama* fled from their home in Syria, and were married when they were 15 and 17 years old, in Jordan. Photo credit: Rosie Thompson/Save the Children

The 21st Largest Country has the fastest growing population in the world.

"Forced to Flee: Inside the 21^st Largest Country" examined indicators most relevant to the well-being of children and found results that demonstrate both the enormous challenges faced by refugees and internally displaced people as well as the notable contributions they could make to their host countries and communities if they were allowed to do so.

"Imagining all displaced people as citizens of one country recognizes their value as equal members of a global society and draws attention to the massive scale of the issues they face," said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children. "The number of families forced to flee their homes in search of safety continues to reach record highs — it's time to move out of emergency mode and engage in serious discussions about how to help displaced families integrate and begin to rebuild their futures."

The analysis found that the world's 21^st largest country:

Has the fastest-growing population,
Has one of the world's youngest populations, with half the population under 18,
Ranks 4^th to last on primary school attendance and almost last at the secondary school level,
Is among the most dangerous places for harmful practices like child marriage,
Is in the top half of the most urbanized countries,
Loses too many children to preventable heath conditions such as malaria and pneumonia,
Could have the 54^th largest economy in the world if people were given adequate access to employment.

As world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Miles added: "Forcibly-displaced people face huge challenges, but if governments work together, along with non-governmental organizations and the private sector, we can improve their circumstances."

For more information, the complete report, and related case studies and infographics, visit: SavetheChildren.org/forcedtoflee. Join the conversation on Twitter using #forcedtoflee.

Spokespeople are available for additional comment. Please contact Negin Janati ([email protected]) to arrange an interview.

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Media contact: Negin Janati ([email protected]), 203-212-0044

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SOURCE Save the Children