| Hunger and Homelessness: An International Perspective |
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| Monday, 16 November 2009 12:31 |
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Hunger
Worldwide, 1.02 billion people do not have enough to eat. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s hungry live in only seven countries: India, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Ethiopia. Furthermore, due largely to higher food prices, the number of undernourished people in the world increased by 75 million in 2007 and 40 million in 2008. Each year, 10.9 million children under five die in developing countries. 60% of these deaths are caused by malnutrition or hunger-related diseases.
Homelessness
Homelessness is not limited to people who cannot afford housing. Each year, millions of people are forced from their homes due to violence, war and human rights violations. There are over 15 million refugees, people who have to flee their country due to war, persecution or human rights violations. In addition to refugees, millions of people are displaced within their country, having to leave their homes because of violence or natural disasters. At the end of 2008, there were 26 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Furthermore, about one-sixth of the world’s population does not have adequate housing. It is estimated that one billion people (and rising) live in slums in the cities of the world. |