Published：Jun 11, 04:12Last updated：Jun 11, 16:44

Global Refugee Numbers Decline for First Time in Decade

Jun. 11, 2026 04:12

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported on June 11, 2026, that the total number of refugees and internally displaced persons reached 117.8 million by the end of 2025, with 41.6 million refugees. Seventy percent of these refugees have been displaced for over five years, highlighting the difficulty of escaping refugee status. While the total number decreased by 5.4 million for the first time in a decade, UNHCR emphasized that many returns were due to worsening conditions rather than improved situations. Newly appointed High Commissioner Saleh announced a goal to halve the number of long-term refugees by 2035.

Summarized

8News

7Media

Jun. 11, 2026 13:04

For the first time in a decade, the global number of refugees has slightly decreased, according to the UN. Many displaced persons have returned home, though often involuntarily. The report highlights shifting trends in global displacement.

Jun. 11, 2026 16:44

The United Nations reported that while refugee numbers have decreased, many displaced people are returning to unstable conditions in their home countries. In Lebanon, over a million people were driven from their homes by Israel’s military offensive by mid-May 2026. The situation remains dire for returnees, with ongoing turmoil and lack of resources. The U.N. emphasized the need for sustained humanitarian aid to support those affected.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported a historic shift in global displacement trends, with refugee numbers declining for the first time in ten years. By the end of 2025, 117.8 million people remained forcibly displaced worldwide, including 41.6 million refugees. While this represents a decrease of 5.4 million, the agency cautioned that many returns occurred under duress rather than improved conditions.Asahi Shimbun+2

📊 Displacement Trends

The decline marks a reversal of the steady upward trajectory seen since 2015. Key factors include returns to Afghanistan, DR Congo, Sudan, and Syria, though many areas remain unstable. Seventy percent of refugees have been displaced for over five years, indicating systemic challenges in resolving long-term crises.Libération+1

🏠 Return Challenges

Newly appointed High Commissioner Saleh revealed that many returnees face dire circumstances, particularly in Lebanon where over a million were displaced by mid-2026. The UN emphasized that decreased numbers don't equate to sustainable solutions, with many returning to conflict zones or inadequate infrastructure.The New York Times+1

🎯 Future Goals

UNHCR announced an ambitious target to halve long-term refugee numbers by 2035. However, the agency stressed this requires coordinated international efforts, as current returns often reflect worsening host country conditions rather than true resolution of displacement causes.Asahi Shimbun+1

SalehSudanUNHCRLebanonAfghanistan