UNHCR Refugee Population and Statistics until 2021

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a UN agency responsible for protecting refugees and supporting forcibly displaced people. According to UNHCR data, as of late 2021 there were approximately 80 million refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people worldwide.

Of this figure, 26% were children and 50% were women. Additionally, UNHCR estimates that every minute, 24 people are forced to flee their homes due to violence, armed conflict, natural disasters, and other factors.

The number of refugees in the world has been increasing in recent years, with a 5% increase between 2020 and 2021. The majority of refugees come from five countries: Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Venezuela.

UNHCR works in over 130 countries to provide assistance and protection to refugees and other displaced people. This includes delivering humanitarian aid, supporting return to the country of origin, and seeking durable solutions such as voluntary return or third country resettlement.

UNHCR also works with governments, international organizations, and local communities to promote the human rights of refugees and promote inclusion and integration in host countries.

Despite the efforts of UNHCR and other organizations, the situation for refugees remains desperate in many parts of the world. Many refugees live in camps or precarious conditions in cities, and face obstacles to accessing education, healthcare, and work. They may also face discrimination and violence in host countries.

It is important to remember that refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes and deserve our compassion and respect. We must work together to find durable solutions to the conflicts forcing so many people to flee and to ensure that everyone has access to basic human rights and a dignified life.