According to the latest report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the global displacement crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with one in every 67 people worldwide now forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or human rights violations.
The UNHCR’s annual Global Trends report reveals that the number of forcibly displaced people soared to over 120 million by mid-2024. This figure includes refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), and represents the 12th consecutive year of rising displacement worldwide.
Conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and ongoing crises in Afghanistan and Myanmar have been cited as major contributors to the staggering numbers. The report highlights that nearly 40% of all displaced people are children, many of whom are growing up without access to education, healthcare, or safety.
UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi emphasized the global responsibility to support the displaced: “Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. We must act collectively to restore peace and address the root causes of displacement.”
The report also criticizes restrictive asylum policies and urges more equitable burden-sharing among nations, especially those with the capacity to host refugees. Grandi called for a renewed commitment to humanitarian protection and sustainable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
