The number of people forced to leave their homes because of conflict, persecution and other crises remains at an exceptionally high level worldwide, according to the latest data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

UNHCR estimates that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced globally at the end of 2025. The figure includes refugees, asylum-seekers and people displaced within their own countries.

The data underline the enormous scale of humanitarian displacement and the continuing pressure placed on countries and communities receiving displaced populations.

Millions Displaced Across Borders and Within Countries

The global displacement figure includes several distinct groups.

Around 35.6 million refugees were living outside their countries of origin, while approximately 9 million asylum-seekers were awaiting decisions on their protection claims.

The largest category consisted of internally displaced people, with approximately 68.7 million people displaced within the borders of their own countries.

These figures demonstrate that displacement is not only an international migration issue. A substantial majority of displaced people remain inside their home countries.

Conflict Remains a Major Driver

Armed conflicts continue to be one of the principal causes of forced displacement.

When fighting destroys homes, disrupts essential services and threatens civilian safety, families may have little choice but to leave their communities. Some cross international borders in search of protection, while others move to safer areas within their own countries.

Long-running conflicts can create displacement situations lasting for years, making return and reintegration increasingly difficult.

Host Countries Face Significant Pressure

Countries hosting refugees and other displaced populations often face major economic and social challenges.

Local authorities may need additional resources for housing, healthcare, education, water, sanitation and employment services. These pressures can be especially significant in countries that are already dealing with poverty or economic instability.

International assistance can therefore play an important role in helping host communities support displaced people.

Children Are Particularly Vulnerable

Displacement can have serious consequences for children.

Children forced to leave their homes may lose access to education and healthcare and can become more vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking and other forms of abuse.

Maintaining access to schooling and basic services is therefore a major priority during humanitarian crises. Education can also provide children with stability while families remain displaced.

Long-Term Displacement Creates Additional Challenges

Not all displaced people are able to return home quickly.

When conflicts continue for years, families may spend long periods living away from their original communities. During such situations, temporary humanitarian assistance may need to evolve into longer-term programmes supporting livelihoods, education and integration.

Finding durable solutions remains one of the most difficult aspects of the global displacement crisis.

Humanitarian Funding Is Increasingly Important

The scale of global displacement places substantial demands on humanitarian organizations.

Funding shortages can force aid agencies to reduce food assistance, healthcare programmes, shelter support and other essential services. As the number of displaced people remains high, securing predictable humanitarian financing becomes increasingly important.

International cooperation is particularly critical during major emergencies involving large populations.

The Global Dimension

Forced displacement affects far more than the people who leave their homes. It can influence neighbouring countries, regional economies, public services and international relations.

Countries located near conflict zones frequently receive large numbers of refugees because people generally seek safety in nearby areas first.

This makes displacement both a humanitarian and a global policy issue.

A Continuing International Challenge

UNHCR’s latest figures show that forced displacement remains one of the world’s most serious humanitarian challenges.

With 117.8 million people forcibly displaced at the end of 2025, the international community faces the difficult task of protecting people fleeing danger while also supporting countries and communities that receive them.

Reducing displacement ultimately depends on addressing the conflicts, persecution and instability that force people from their homes. Until those underlying problems are resolved, humanitarian protection and international cooperation will remain essential.