UN says over 117 million people forcibly displaced worldwide

September 26, 2026 at 05:24 AM2 min

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More than 117 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced by armed conflict, violence, persecution and other security threats, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih told the Security Council. Salih said conflicts are becoming more protracted and political solutions are often absent. He stressed that the issue is not only humanitarian but a challenge to international peace and security.

Key Facts

More than 117 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence, persecution and security threats, according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih.
Salih made the remarks while addressing the UN Security Council on the global displacement situation.
Salih said the number of conflicts in the world continues to increase and that they are becoming more protracted.
Millions of people who fled their homes due to crises they hoped would be temporary remain displaced for years, sometimes for generations, Salih said.
Salih stressed that the issue is not only humanitarian but at its core a challenge to international peace and security.

Global Displacement Figures

More than 117 million people worldwide have been forced to leave their homes due to armed conflict, violence, persecution and other security threats, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih told the Security Council. Salih said the number of conflicts in the world continues to increase and that they are becoming more protracted, with political solutions often absent. Millions of people who fled their homes due to crises they hoped would be temporary remain displaced for years, sometimes for several generations, he said.

Security Council Address

Speaking before the UN Security Council, Salih outlined the situation of forced displacement worldwide. He stressed that the issue is not only a humanitarian problem but at its core a challenge to international peace and security. Salih's remarks come after Sweden's parliament approved a bill to revoke permanent residence permits for refugees.