Geneva: The number of people forced to flee their homes around the world fell in 2025 for the first time in more than a decade, according to a new report released by the United Nations refugee agency. While the development offers a rare sign of progress, officials warn that the global refugee crisis remains one of the world's most urgent humanitarian challenges.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that 117.8 million people were living in situations of forced displacement at the end of 2025. This represents a decrease of about 5.4 million people, or 4 percent, compared with the previous year. The decline comes after years of steady increases driven by wars, violence, persecution, and political instability in many parts of the world.
UNHCR officials said the reduction was largely due to a significant rise in the number of refugees and internally displaced people returning to their home countries. During 2025, around 14.7 million people returned home, marking the highest level of returns in recent years.
Afghanistan recorded the largest return movement. Nearly three million Afghans returned during the year, reducing the country's refugee population considerably. However, aid agencies noted that many of these returns were not entirely voluntary. Tougher immigration measures and deportation policies in neighboring countries, including Iran and Pakistan, contributed to the movement of large numbers of people back to Afghanistan.
Syria also experienced substantial returns following major political changes that took place after the collapse of the government of former President Bashar al Assad in late 2024. More than one million Syrians returned to their homeland during 2025. Even so, humanitarian organizations continue to express concern about the conditions facing returning families, many of whom encounter damaged infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, and shortages of essential services.
Despite the decline in overall displacement figures, UNHCR emphasized that the global situation remains deeply concerning. The agency noted that displacement levels are still far higher than they were a decade ago and that millions of people continue to live in uncertainty.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said the reduction should not be interpreted as a sign that conflicts and crises have been resolved. He pointed out that many returnees are going back to countries where security conditions remain fragile and where reconstruction efforts are still underway.
The report also highlighted the growing pressure facing humanitarian organizations. Funding shortages have become a major challenge for agencies working to support refugees and displaced communities. Aid groups say that reduced financial support is affecting access to food assistance, healthcare, education, and protection services in several regions.
At the same time, new crises continue to emerge. Ongoing conflicts in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia continue to force people from their homes. Humanitarian experts have also warned that climate related disasters, including floods, droughts, and extreme weather events, are increasingly contributing to displacement around the world.
According to UNHCR, approximately one out of every 70 people globally remains forcibly displaced. While the latest figures show a welcome decline, the agency stressed that long term solutions require lasting peace, political stability, economic recovery, and international cooperation.
The report serves as a reminder that although some progress has been made, the challenges facing refugees and displaced people remain enormous. For millions of families around the world, the search for safety, stability, and a permanent home is far from over.