110 million. The number of people forced to flee their homes is now at its highest level since records began. 

Dear John,

Every year in June, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, releases its Global Trends Report. As you are a true ally of refugees, I wanted to share some of its findings with you.

As the leading international aid organization supporting people forced to flee, UNHCR releases this annual report to provide the world’s most comprehensive and accurate statistical overview of forced displacement.

Last year's record increase was driven mostly by war in Ukraine and revised estimates for Afghan refugees. Further fighting in the first five months of 2023, especially in Sudan, has pushed the global total beyond 110 million.

If we want to have an informed dialogue about the situation and the potential solutions, having the right numbers is vital and that’s why I am sharing these important findings with you.

➽ The war in Ukraine was the top driver of displacement in 2022. The number of refugees from Ukraine soared to 5.7 million by the end of 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion in February.

➽ 41% of all refugees are children. They deserve a home, a childhood, and a future just as much as anyone else.

➽ 62.5 million are internally displaced people who have fled their home and sought safety elsewhere in their own country.

➽ At least 4.4 million people worldwide are stateless or of undetermined nationality. In 24 countries women are not able to pass on nationality to their children on an equal basis with men. Everyone deserves a nationality and a chance to say: “I belong”.

➽ Low- and middle-income countries host roughly 8 out of every 10 refugees worldwide, and the Least Developed Countries more than 20% of the total.

... There are many more interesting stats right here.

❝ Do you know which country hosts the highest number of refugees at 3.6 million? And do you know which three countries account for more than half of all people who fled across borders? … ❞ 

Read the Global Trends Report to stay informed on the current state of global forced displacement. It contains data and context on the impact of conflict and the growing contribution of climate change, but also on the positive developments of the past year. The numbers are shocking and behind each one is a man, woman or child who needs our help now more than ever.

Best wishes,

Breno Valentini
International Supporter Care
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency