Global Forced Displacement Declines for the First Time in a Decade: UNHCR Report
UNHCR reported a decline in global forced displacement in 2025, with displaced persons falling to 117.8 million. Learn about refugees, internally displaced persons, and key Exam facts.
Global Forced Displacement Declines for the First Time in a Decade: UNHCR Report
Why in News?
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), global forced displacement declined in 2025 for the first time in a decade. The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide fell to 117.8 million by the end of 2025, compared to 123.2 million at the end of 2024.
UNHCR Report Key Highlights
Forced Displacement Trends
- Global forcibly displaced population: 117.8 million (2025).
- Down from 123.2 million (2024).
- Despite the decline, the figure remains among the highest ever recorded.
Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons
- Global refugee population stood at 41.6 million.
- 68.6 million people remained internally displaced within their own countries.
- Forced displacement includes:
- Refugees
- Asylum-seekers
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Other persons displaced due to conflict, persecution, or violence.
Return of Displaced Persons
Around 14.7 million people returned to their places of origin in 2025, including:
- 4.4 million refugees
- 10.3 million internally displaced persons
Major return movements were recorded in:
- Afghanistan
- Sudan
- Syria
However, many returns occurred under fragile security conditions and with limited access to essential services.
Internal Displacement Remains High
- At least 32.3 million new internal displacements occurred during 2025.
- Highest numbers were recorded in:
- Iran – 10 million
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – 9.7 million
Decline in Refugee Resettlement
- Refugee resettlement and sponsorship arrivals declined to 81,800 in 2025.
- This was significantly lower than 188,800 recorded in 2024.
About UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN agency responsible for protecting refugees, stateless persons, and forcibly displaced populations worldwide.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Established: 1950
Major Functions of UNHCR
- Refugee protection
- Humanitarian assistance
- Resettlement support
- Statelessness reduction
UNHCR Report Prelims Facts
- UNHCR was established in 1950.
- A refugee crosses an international border due to persecution, conflict, or violence.
- An Internally Displaced Person (IDP) remains within the borders of his or her own country.
- The 1951 Refugee Convention is the principal international treaty governing refugee protection.
- Global forced displacement stood at 117.8 million in 2025.
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