This year's World Disasters Report, published by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), aims to widen and sharpen the focus on the complex causes of forced migration and the diverses consequences and impacts for both affected populations and humanitarian actors.

Following the report, signifcant protection gaps and increasing vulnerability exist for many forced migrants who fall outside the well-established legal and normative instruments. The report emphasizes the need to develop responsive tools and policies to address these gaps.

The report draws attention to the diverse health needs of forced migrants, stressing the importance of enhancing professional standards and mainstreaming the health care of displaced persons.

The World Disasters report also highlights how forced migration has urbanized. Cities, towns and peri-urban areas are the main destination for refugees, IDPs and people affected or impacted by disasters and conflicts.

Finally development is a major, but often ignored, driver of forced displacement. As well as recognized economic benefits, it can also cause impoverishment and social fragmentation for some.

The World Disasters Report calls for securing better access to protection for people susceptible to displacement.

The entire report is accessible on the micro-website of the World Disasters Report 2012.