Impacto de los conflictos armados en el mundo: cifras alarmantes y llamado a la acción

“Global Peace Index 2023: A World in Conflict”

The latest Global Peace Index (GPI) report from the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) paints a grim picture of the state of peace in the world. With 56 ongoing conflicts involving 92 countries, the world is facing the highest number of conflicts since World War II. In 2023 alone, there were 162,000 conflict-related deaths, the second-highest number in the past 30 years. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza accounted for nearly three-quarters of these deaths.

This marks the twelfth decline in peace in the last 16 years, with 65 countries improving and 97 deteriorating. This is the largest number of deteriorations in a single year since the index began in 2008.

Ukraine saw 83,000 conflict-related deaths, with estimates of at least 33,000 for Palestine by April 2024. In the first four months of 2024, conflict-related deaths worldwide reached 47,000. If this trend continues, it could result in the highest number of conflict-related deaths since the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

The economic cost of war is also staggering, with global violence reaching $19.1 trillion in 2023, equivalent to 13.5% of the global GDP. Ukraine, Afghanistan, and North Korea faced the highest economic costs of violence relative to their GDP in 2023.

IEP founder and executive chairman Steve Killelea emphasized the negative impact of conflict on the global economy and the need for governments and businesses to intensify efforts to resolve conflicts before they escalate into major crises.

The report also warned that the increasing number of minor conflicts raises the likelihood of more major conflicts in the future. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remain the least peaceful region, with Sudan and Yemen ranking as the two least peaceful countries in the world.

On a more positive note, Iceland retains its position as the most peaceful country, followed by Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore. However, the report highlights that 110 million people are refugees or internally displaced due to violent conflicts, with 16 countries now hosting over half a million refugees.

In conclusion, the Global Peace Index 2023 underscores the urgent need for global leaders to invest in conflict resolution to prevent further escalation of violence and instability in the world. It is a stark reminder that peace is a fragile and precious commodity that must be protected and nurtured for the well-being of all humanity.