The Bishop of Wakefield has urged the Government to prioritise conflict prevention, and warned about becoming too ‘state centric’ in dealing with issues of international protection.

War and armed violence is taking an alarming toll on civilians in conflict-affected countries across the globe, according to new findings published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today.

The number of people forcibly uprooted by conflict and persecution worldwide stood at 42 million at the end of last year, with the largest displacement being caused by the US and UK - who are not among the main hosts.

For the first time in years, the US House of Representatives has passed legislation that would significantly boost US capacities to help prevent and respond to international crises, the Friends Committee on National Legislation reported today.