UNHCR Reports First Global Displacement Decline in 2025

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recorded a decline in global forced displacement in 2025, the first fall in a decade. By the end of 2025, an estimated 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, compared with 123.2 million at the end of 2024.

Forced Displacement and Refugee Population

Forced displacement includes refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and other people uprooted by conflict, persecution, or violence. The global refugee population stood at 41.6 million at the end of 2025, while 68.6 million people remained internally displaced.

Returns to Countries and Areas of Origin

About 14.7 million displaced people returned home in 2025. This included 4.4 million refugees and 10.3 million internally displaced persons, with major returns recorded in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Syria. Refugee returns in 2025 were the second highest since records began 60 years ago. Many returns took place under insecure conditions and with limited access to basic services.

Internal Displacement and Resettlement

At least 32.3 million new internal displacements occurred within national borders in 2025. The largest numbers were recorded in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with 10 million, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 9.7 million. Resettlement and sponsorship arrivals for refugees fell to 81,800 in 2025 from 188,800 in 2024.

Important Facts for Exams

• The UNHCR is the United Nations agency responsible for refugees and stateless persons.
• A refugee is a person who crosses an international border due to persecution, conflict, or violence.
• An internally displaced person remains within the borders of the country of origin.
• The 1951 Refugee Convention is the main international legal instrument on refugee protection.

UNHCR and Global Displacement Data

UNHCR publishes annual displacement estimates based on refugee, asylum, and internal displacement data. The 2025 figure of 117.8 million remained one of the highest global displacement totals on record.