Understanding forced displacement

People do not usually leave their homes, families and communities unless they feel unsafe.

Most people seeking asylum are fleeing war, violence, persecution or serious threats to their safety and freedom.

According to UNHCR, around 123.2 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced by the end of 2024 because of:

  • war
  • violence
  • persecution
  • and human rights abuses

That is around 1 in every 67 people on Earth.

Many people displaced around the world never reach Europe or the UK.

Most remain:

  • internally displaced
  • or in neighbouring countries close to conflict zones

Understanding why people flee helps create calmer and more informed conversations about asylum.

The world’s largest displacement crises

Sudan

Around 14.3 million people displaced

Sudan is now the world’s largest displacement crisis.

Since conflict began in 2023 between rival armed groups:

  • millions of people have fled their homes
  • communities have faced violence and food shortages
  • and families have crossed borders searching for safety

Many children and families have been displaced more than once while trying to escape violence.

Syria

Around 13.5 million people displaced

More than a decade of conflict has forced millions of Syrians from their homes.

People have fled because of:

  • war and insecurity
  • destruction of homes and cities
  • political persecution
  • and fears for personal safety

Many Syrian families remain displaced inside Syria or in neighbouring countries including Türkiye, Lebanon and Jordan.

Afghanistan

Around 10.3 million people displaced

Conflict and instability have displaced millions of Afghans over many years.

Many people have fled because of:

  • conflict and insecurity
  • political persecution
  • restrictions on women and girls
  • and concerns about safety and human rights

Neighbouring countries including Iran and Pakistan host large Afghan refugee populations.

Ukraine

Around 8.8 million people displaced

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced millions of people to flee their homes.

Families were displaced because of:

  • active conflict
  • attacks on towns and cities
  • damage to homes and infrastructure
  • and concerns for civilian safety

Many people moved to neighbouring European countries while others remain displaced within Ukraine itself.

Democratic Republic of Congo

More than 8 million people displaced

The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced decades of armed conflict and instability.

Many people have fled because of:

  • armed violence
  • attacks on civilians
  • displacement by armed groups
  • and worsening food insecurity

Large numbers of people remain displaced within the country, especially in eastern regions affected by ongoing violence.

Most people stay close to home

Many people are surprised to learn that most refugees stay close to the country they fled.

According to UNHCR:

  • around 60% of displaced people remain within their own country
  • and most refugees are hosted by neighbouring countries, often countries with far fewer resources than the UK or Europe

Countries such as Türkiye, Iran, Chad and Lebanon host very large refugee populations.

Why understanding matters

Most people agree that:

  • no one wants families living through war or violence
  • communities work best when conversations are calm and informed
  • and systems should be fair and well managed

Good information helps people understand the difference between headlines and reality.

Behind every statistic is a person, family or child trying to find safety and stability.

Understanding the reasons people flee does not mean ignoring challenges or difficult questions.

It means starting conversations from facts, context and shared humanity.

Sources and further reading

Latest figures updated using 2025 UNHCR reporting and global displacement data.