How many refugees are there in the world?

According to the latest UN estimate, there are more than 120 million people on the move right now. Unfortunately, things are going the wrong way in many parts of the world. The Danish Refugee Council works in 40 countries to help the world's refugees and displaced people.

Tripling of Refugees and Displaced Persons in 12 Years

By the end of 2023, a shocking 117.3 million people worldwide were forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and severe public unrest.

Unfortunately, the first four months of 2024 have brought no relief, and the UN expect that this number exceeded 120 million at the end of April.

This represents a tripling of the number of refugees and displaced persons in just 12 years.

More and More People Displaced Year After Year

This tragic rise to 117.3 million people by the end of 2023 signifies an alarming increase of 8 percent, or 8.8 million more people, compared to the previous year.

This continues a tragic trend of steadily increasing numbers of displaced persons over the past 12 years.

1 in 69 People in the World Are Now Displaced

It is heartbreaking to think that one in every 69 people on our planet is now forced to flee. This is nearly double the number from ten years ago, when one in every 125 people faced the same fate.

These numbers tell a story of suffering and resilience, of people forced to leave everything they know and love in the hope of finding safety and peace.

This is a global crisis that demands our attention and compassion.

These figures are alarming. Year upon year, millions of women, children and men are forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind.

Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of DRC Danish Refugee Council