On December 29, 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that the number of refugees worldwide has exceeded 122 million, marking an increase from the previous year.
Peter Ruhnstraut-Bauer, the UNHCR's national director in Germany, described the figures as alarming, emphasizing that behind each number lies a person seeking safety and a future. He stated, 'It is our shared duty to provide protection and future prospects for these individuals.'
The annual report from the German partner of UNHCR indicated that the global refugee count was 117.4 million in 2023. The rise in numbers is primarily attributed to the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has forced over 11.8 million people to flee since violence escalated in April 2023.
The report also noted that conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar have contributed to the increase in refugee numbers. Additionally, conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon have forcibly displaced over 1.7 million individuals.
UNHCR characterized these statistics as 'shocking,' pointing out that they represent individuals hoping for protection, safety, and a better future. The organization highlighted that Europe does not face the largest challenges related to refugee movements. Among the more than 122 million displaced individuals globally, 58 percent are internally displaced within their own countries.
Furthermore, 71 percent of all refugees reside in low- or middle-income countries, with 69 percent seeking protection in neighboring nations.
Ruhnstraut-Bauer reiterated the resilience shown by refugees, stating, 'The year 2024 has once again demonstrated the strength and resilience that refugees display every day. Despite war, persecution, and the loss of their homeland, they face their fate with courage.'