As of April 2025, the global displacement crisis has escalated to unprecedented levels. According to the UNHCR, 122.1 million individuals are now forcibly displaced worldwide—a slight dip from 2024’s peak of 123.2 million but still demanding urgent global response.
April 2025 Displacement Overview
Between April 2024 and April 2025, the displaced population grew by 2.1 million, encompassing both refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). While the overall number dipped marginally from last year’s high, ongoing conflicts continue to push displacement figures upward.
Major Drivers of Displacement
Conflict zones remain the predominant catalyst:
- Sudan: 14.3 million displaced, now the world’s top source of forced migration.
- Syria: 13.5 million displaced, closely following.
- Afghanistan: 10.3 million displaced.
- Ukraine: 8.8 million displaced.
These hotspots underscore the crisis’s root in protracted violence and instability.
Surge in Internally Displaced Persons
IDPs now total 73.5 million, accounting for 60% of those uprooted within national borders. Moreover, roughly 67% of refugees reside in neighboring countries, highlighting regional strain on resources and infrastructure.
Top Refugee‑Hosting Countries
Lower‑ and middle‑income nations shoulder the majority burden:
- Iran: 3.5 million refugees
- Turkey: 2.9 million
- Colombia: 2.8 million
- Germany: 2.7 million
- Uganda: 1.8 million
These figures challenge assumptions that wealthier nations absorb the bulk of refugee flows.
Trends in Return Migration
Amid challenges, nearly 2 million Syrians returned home in the past six months. Overall, 9.8 million displaced individuals—refugees and IDPs alike—made return journeys in 2024, signaling cautious optimism in certain regions.
Funding Shortfalls & Humanitarian Response
The UNHCR faces critical funding gaps as international contributions wane. The 2025 report calls for renewed commitment to sustain emergency shelters, medical aid, and resettlement programs—vital for regional stability and protection of displaced communities.