UN: Global Displacement Reaches Historic High in 2023 at 120M

The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached a staggering 120 million in 2023, marking a sharp 12th consecutive annual rise, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday citing the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

According to the report, the figure is equivalent to the 12th largest country globally, around the size of Japan. Conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar were key drivers, with over 7 million new displacements recorded in Sudan alone. Syria remains the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million forcibly displaced.

While some encouraging returns were noted, with over 5 million internally displaced and 1 million refugees going back home, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi emphasized the urgent need for the international community to address the root causes of forced displacement, including conflict, human rights violations, and the climate crisis.

He further called for greater solidarity and inclusion to support refugees and host communities.