A new report from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) shows that global displacement has fallen for the first time in ten years. In 2025, millions of people who had been forced to flee their homes because of war and violence were able to return to their countries or communities.

UNHCR released a report showing that over 14.7 million displaced persons returned home, which includes refugees and internally displaced persons, in 2018. Major numbers of returns were reported in Sudan and Syria. However, an estimated 5 million people were newly displaced from their homes during this same time frame due to war and persecution.

Globally, the number of refugees decreased by 3 percent in 2018 to a total of 41.6 million refugees. Still, many of these individuals are now experiencing long-term displacement. As of late 2018, approximately 70 percent of all refugees had been forced to live outside their home countries for years. These individuals are frequently living in poverty and relying on NGOs and international aid for their basic needs.

To assist refugees in overcoming the challenges of returning home, UNHCR has called for greater efforts to help refugees rebuild their lives, including increased access to education, healthcare, employment, and financial services. UNHCR also encourages governments and other related partners to develop more opportunities for refugees to return home safely, reunite with family members, and obtain a work permit or scholarship in the country they are returning to.

UNHCR says humanitarian aid remains essential, but lasting solutions are needed to give refugees hope for the future. The agency hopes to significantly reduce long-term displacement over the next decade and help millions of people become more self-reliant