The Implementation of UNHCR’s Policy on Refugee Protection and Solutions in Urban Areas

Over three billion people, over half the world’s population, now live in urban areas worldwide and half of them – 1.5 billion – live in slums. These are informal, unregulated, crowded and under serviced settlements on marginal lands.2 By 2050, it is estimated that 6.3 billion, 67 % of the world population will live in urban areas.3 Virtually all of the expected urban growth will take place in the less developed regions – particularly Asia and Africa.