Misinformation and disinformation about international protection in Ireland have fuelled growing hostility toward people seeking protection, refugees and migrants. Learn more about global trends below. 

GLOBAL PICTURE

One in 69 people displaced globally

As of December 2023, 117.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced—one in every 69—due to persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations. Most remained within their countries, while 43.4 million sought refuge in other countries.

About 47 million are children

Children account for 30 per cent of the world’s population, but 40 per cent of all forcibly displaced people. 

71% of refugees are hosted by low and middle-income countries

High-income countries host only 29% of refugees. Uganda, Ethiopia, Chad and Bangladesh are among the top 10 countries hosting the most refugees globally. See more information on all 10 here.

69% of refugees live in neighbouring countries 

Most refugees stay in neighbouring countries. Uganda hosts 1.5 million refugees from South Sudan and DRC, Iran hosts millions of Afghan refugees, and most refugees in Türkiye are Syrian.

Over half of refugees come from three countries globally

By the end of 2022, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine—three war-torn nations—accounted for 52% of the world's refugees.

Nearly 1.1 million refugees returned home in 2023

Learn more about refugees and migration by reading the UNHCR Global Trends report below.

UNHCR Global Trends 2023 Report