UNHCR Report Highlights Unprecedented Rise in Forced Displacement Globally

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The latest Global Trends Report released by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2024, found that forced displacement has reached a new record high, impacting 120 million people worldwide. This marks the 12th consecutive year of rising numbers, driven by ongoing conflicts, unresolved crises, and a sharp increase in internal displacement.

The report reveals that conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and the Gaza Strip have significantly contributed to the surge. In Sudan alone, 10.8 million people remain displaced. Similarly, the Gaza Strip has seen catastrophic violence, displacing up to 1.7 million people, or 75 percent of its population. Syria continues to face the largest displacement crisis globally, with 13.8 million people displaced both internally and across borders.

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized the human tragedy behind these numbers, urging the international community to tackle the root causes of displacement and respect international laws of war. “Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. That suffering must galvanize the international community to act urgently to tackle the root causes of forced displacement,” he said.  

The report also highlights the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on displaced populations, adding another layer of complexity to global displacement issues.

Grandi added that “it is high time for warring parties to respect the basic laws of war and international law. The fact is that without better cooperation and concerted efforts to address conflict, human rights violations and the climate crisis, displacement figures will keep rising, bringing fresh misery and costly humanitarian responses.”

The internal displacement figures are particularly alarming, with 68.3 million people displaced within their own countries—a near 50 percent increase over the past five years. The number of refugees and others needing international protection has also risen to 43.4 million.

Despite these challenges, the report notes some positive developments, including the return of over 5 million internally displaced persons and 1 million refugees to their homes in 2023. Additionally, resettlement arrivals increased to almost 160,000 last year.

Grandi called for increased solidarity and support for refugees and host communities, pointing out that inclusion can lead to significant contributions to society. He cited successful examples of refugee inclusion, like Kenya, emphasizing the need for committed global efforts to find lasting solutions.

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