euronews.com
Global Displacement Reaches Record High, Then Sees Slight Decline
The UNHCR's report reveals a record 123 million people were forcibly displaced globally by the end of 2024, although this number slightly decreased to 122.1 million by April 2025; Sudan's civil war is the largest displacement crisis, exceeding even Syria's; internally displaced people rose by over 9%, reaching 73.5 million.
- What is the global impact of the record number of forcibly displaced people in 2024, and what are the immediate implications?
- The UNHCR reported a record 123 million forcibly displaced people globally by the end of 2024, a 2 million increase from 2023 and almost double the number a decade prior. Despite a slight 1% decrease to 122.1 million by April 2025, this remains a significant humanitarian crisis exacerbated by budget cuts to aid organizations. Internally displaced persons jumped 9% to 73.5 million.
- What long-term trends or potential policy changes could significantly alter the global displacement crisis in the coming years?
- The decrease in total displaced persons by April 2025, while positive, doesn't diminish the immense ongoing humanitarian need. Continued conflicts in Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, coupled with budget cuts and potential deportation policies, suggest the crisis will persist. The trend of displacement concentrated in neighboring countries needs further investigation and humanitarian response.
- What are the key regional factors contributing to the increase in internal displacement, and how does this affect neighboring countries?
- Sudan's civil war caused the world's largest displacement crisis with over 14 million people uprooted, exceeding Syria's 13.5 million. This, along with displacement in Afghanistan (10 million) and Ukraine (8.8 million), highlights the impact of ongoing conflicts and instability. The data counters the misconception that most refugees aim for wealthier nations; two-thirds remain in neighboring countries.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The report's framing is somewhat balanced in that it presents both positive (decline in displaced people) and negative (increase in internally displaced people, and overall high numbers) aspects. However, the headline and opening paragraph focus on the overall increase in displacement, which might leave the reader with an impression of a worsening crisis, even if the following paragraphs offer a slightly more nuanced perspective. The use of terms like "rays of hope" also implies optimism, that might not accurately reflect the lived realities of millions of displaced individuals.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, employing precise statistics and official terminology. There is no overtly charged or emotionally laden language. The use of terms such as "rays of hope" may be slightly subjective but is relatively mild within the context of the overall report.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses heavily on the increase and then decrease in displaced people but omits discussion of the root causes of displacement such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and climate change. While the report mentions ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, it lacks detailed analysis of the underlying political, economic, and social factors driving displacement in each region. This omission prevents readers from fully understanding the complexity of the issue and forming well-informed opinions on potential solutions.
False Dichotomy
The report presents a somewhat simplistic view by highlighting the decrease in displaced people as a singular positive development without fully acknowledging the ongoing suffering and the magnitude of the crisis that remains. The overall narrative risks downplaying the continued humanitarian needs and challenges.
Gender Bias
The report does not exhibit overt gender bias. The language used and the focus is largely neutral in terms of gender representation. However, an analysis of the experiences of women and girls, as well as the unique vulnerabilities they face in displacement situations, would add important context and depth.
Sustainable Development Goals
The report highlights a significant increase in the number of forcibly displaced people globally, reaching over 123 million by the end of 2024. This is a direct consequence of ongoing conflicts, violence, and persecution in various regions, undermining peace, justice, and the stability of institutions in affected countries. The conflicts in Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine are explicitly cited as major drivers of displacement, further emphasizing the link to the breakdown of peace and justice.