Conflict Displacements Hit Record High in 2025

Conflict and violence triggered a record 32.3 million internal displacements globally by the end of 2025. This figure marks a 60% surge from the prior year and, for the first time since data collection began in 2008, exceeds the number of displacements caused by natural disasters, which stood at 29.9 million.

These escalating figures signal a "global collapse" in civilian protection, with millions returning to devastated homes or facing ongoing displacement. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Iran, and Lebanon are among the regions severely affected, contributing to the rising numbers. Internal displacement refers to individuals forced to flee within their own country's borders, with individuals potentially being displaced multiple times.

While the total number of people displaced and remaining displaced decreased slightly to 82.2 million in 2025 (from a peak of 83.5 million in 2024), this decline is not indicative of progress. It is partly attributed to returns in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria, but also to data limitations. Over 83% of displacements in 2025 were conflict-related. Sudan continued to host the largest number of internally displaced people for the third consecutive year, with Sudan, Colombia, Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan accounting for nearly half of all conflict displacements.

Increased international conflicts and intensified existing ones were key drivers. Notably, 46% of violence-linked internal displacements in 2025 were tied to international armed conflicts, nearly doubling the previous year's figure. Iran and the Democratic Republic of Congo were responsible for two-thirds of all conflict-driven displacements in 2025. Displacement systems meant to protect these individuals are reportedly being dismantled.