UN Reports 117.8 Million Forcibly Displaced Worldwide

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a decline in forced displacement worldwide. According to their latest figures, by the end of 2025 there were 117.8 million people forcibly displaced, down from 123.2 million in 2024.

This reduction is largely attributed to an increase in voluntary returns by refugees and internally displaced people. The report states that around 49.2% more people returned home voluntarily compared to the previous year, with approximately 4.4 million refugees and 10.3 million internally displaced people returning to their areas of origin.

Low- and middle-income countries continue to bear the brunt of hosting refugees, accounting for 68% of the world's displaced population. Neighbouring countries host a significant proportion as well, with 65% of refugees residing in adjacent territories.