dw.com
Global Forced Displacement Decreases to 122.1 Million in April 2025
By April 2025, global forced displacement decreased to 122.1 million from 123.2 million at the end of 2024, primarily due to the return of nearly two million Syrian refugees following the end of the Syrian civil war in December 2024; however, ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine continue to drive displacement, and the situation remains precarious due to reduced humanitarian funding.
- What are the main ongoing conflicts driving global displacement, and what is their impact on different regions?
- The primary driver of displacement is ongoing conflicts, particularly in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine. The return of Syrian refugees demonstrates that peace, or at least cessation of fighting, can lead to significant reductions in displacement. However, UNHCR warns that the intensity of ongoing conflicts will determine future displacement numbers.
- What are the immediate impacts of the decrease in global displacement figures, and what factors contributed to this change?
- By the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced globally, according to UNHCR. However, this number decreased to 122.1 million by April 2025 due to the return of Syrian refugees following the end of the Syrian civil war in December 2024. Almost two million Syrians have returned home, both from abroad and from internal displacement.
- What are the long-term implications of reduced humanitarian funding and ongoing conflicts on global displacement trends, and what solutions are needed?
- The number of forcibly displaced people has nearly doubled in the last decade, reaching 123.2 million by the end of 2024. While some progress has been made, particularly with Syrian refugees returning home, the situation remains precarious, highly dependent on achieving peace in conflict zones like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and affected by reduced humanitarian funding. The potential for further displacement remains significant.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening paragraph emphasize the decrease in displacement numbers, framing the situation in a more positive light than the overall data might warrant. The focus on the return of Syrian refugees, while important, overshadows the ongoing displacement crises in other countries like Sudan. The positive framing of the decrease in numbers could minimize the severity of the overall global refugee crisis.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, though phrases like "brutal civil war" and "devastating landscape" carry a certain emotional weight. While not inherently biased, the choice of these words contributes to a tone that may subtly influence reader perception. The description of the situation as having 'a glimmer of hope' is subjective and could be replaced by something more neutral like 'a recent improvement'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the decrease in displacement numbers due to the return of Syrian refugees, but omits discussion of the root causes of displacement in Syria and other conflict zones. While acknowledging ongoing conflicts, it lacks detailed analysis of their impact on displacement trends. The article also omits discussion of the challenges faced by refugees upon return, such as lack of infrastructure or potential discrimination.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the situation, focusing on the decrease in displacement numbers as a positive trend without fully exploring the complexities of the issue. While acknowledging the ongoing conflicts, it doesn't delve into the nuanced factors that contribute to both displacement and return. The overall tone suggests a somewhat optimistic outlook, potentially overshadowing the continued suffering and displacement in many regions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant number of displaced people due to ongoing conflicts in various regions, including Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine. The sheer number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) directly reflects a failure to establish and maintain peace and strong institutions in these conflict zones. Lack of peace and justice contributes to displacement and suffering.