Back Home Again: Over 120 Million Worldwide Displaced, Yet Syria Sees a Shift
International refugees and returnees reach 122 million, with a significant number being Syrian nationals. - Displaced Individuals Worldwide Reach 122 Million Mark, with Syrian Returnees Comprising a Significant Number
Hey there! Let's chat about the latest on the global refugee crisis.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Geneva just dropped a bombshell— approximately 122 million people worldwide are displaced due to violence and conflicts, and the number has barely budged since a year ago, standing at 120 million (an increase of 1.6%). But, there's a glimmer of hope in Syria.
Since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in early December 2024, almost two million Syrians have returned to their homeland. Around half a million of them were previously abroad, while the remainder were internally displaced. The UNHCR chief, Filippo Grandi, called it a "beacon of hope," expecting a million more Syrians to return home throughout 2025.
The return of Syrians hasn't been a result of significant improvements in crisis countries like Sudan, Myanmar, or Ukraine. The UNHCR attributes it to the unstable conditions that fuel displacement in these areas.
The tide turned in 2024, with almost 50% more people returning home compared to the previous year, totaling 9.8 million. Of those, 1.6 million had fled abroad, which was the highest number in over two decades. The remaining returnees were internally displaced. This marked the second-highest number of returnees on record, surpassed only by 2023's 6.1 million returnees.
Yet, many returnees are disheartened to find their homeland in ruins, with tense situations and uncertain futures. Some may even be forced to leave again due to limited support from their home countries and canceled development aid, according to UNHCR reports.
Around 7 million more displaced people were counted in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 123.2 million. Compared to 2015, nearly double the number of people have been displaced, including those who seek refuge within their own borders and those who flee across them. Approximately 60% are internally displaced, while around two-thirds live in neighboring countries.
Millions of displaced individuals are currently residing in countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where they are provided with essential care and opportunities. Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD) stressed that Germany offers support to these host countries so they can offer refugees a brighter future.
The largest group of displaced people is no longer Syrians. Instead, the title is held by Sudanese (14.3 million), followed by Syrians (13.5 million), Afghans (10.3 million), and Ukrainians (8.8 million).
Now, sit back and ask away— let's dive deeper into the world of refugees, the UNHCR, and the nations affected by these pressing issues.
- UNHCR
- Refugees
- Sudan
- Myanmar
- Ukraine
- Syria
- Geneva
- UN Refugee Agency
- Assad regime
- Chief
- Filippo Grandi
- Conflict
- In the midst of a global refugee crisis with over 122 million people displaced, the UNHCR in Geneva has been working diligently to address this issue.
- Amidst ongoing wars and conflicts, including those in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, the return of nearly two million Syrian refugees to their homeland following the fall of the Assad regime offers some optimism for the future.
