Skip to content

If resources become scarce, people tend to fight for them…

“If resources become scarce, people tend to fight for them. This is increasing the number of people on the move and the number of people forced to move. They're not refugees, according to the legal definition, but they represent a major humanitarian and human rights challenge, as well as a major…” quote by Antonio Guterres
Download Open image
“If resources become scarce, people tend to fight for them. This is increasing the number of people on the move and the number of people forced to move. They're not refugees, according to the legal definition, but they represent a major humanitarian and human rights challenge, as well as a major challenge for world politics.”

Antonio Guterres

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Scarcity drives conflict, creating displacement that exceeds legal refugee definitions and poses humanitarian, human‑rights, and geopolitical challenges.

In simple terms: Scarcity fuels conflict and displacement.

Key Takeaway

Address resource scarcity to prevent crises.

Themes

resource scarcity conflict displacement human rights politics

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

policy humanitarian

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • resource management
  • international aid
  • conflict resolution
  • policy negotiation

Key Concepts

environmental stress migration global governance humanitarian law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can legal frameworks adapt to climate‑induced displacement?
  • What preventive measures reduce resource‑driven conflict?
A Different Perspective

Legal definitions may limit assistance to those in need.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Antonio Guterres

Explore all 111 Antonio Guterres quotes

More Fight quotes

Browse all 9,748 Fight quotes