Flight and displacement - a growing humanitarian crisis
The latest figures on flight and displacement show that the global refugee movement continued to grow in 2024 and 2025. According to the UNHCR, around 123.2 million people were displaced at the end of 2024 - almost three times as many as in 2011. The main causes remain wars, violence, political and religious persecution and, increasingly, the consequences of climate change.
The situation is one of the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time: millions of people are living without adequate protection, often in extreme poverty, and aid from states and organizations is reaching its limits. Children in particular - almost 40 percent of all refugees - are suffering from violence, insecurity and a lack of access to education and medical care.
Background and figures
- Worldwide: At the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were displaced. Of these, around 60 percent were internally displaced within their own country. (Source BMZ)
- Germany: 250,945 asylum applications were submitted in 2024 (229,751 initial applications). In the first half of 2025, the number fell to 104,012 - a decrease of around 40%. (Source BAMF)
- Internal displacement due to natural disasters: In 2024, 45.8 million people had to leave their homes due to climate-related events. (Source UNO Refugee Agency)
- Wars and conflicts: The main reasons remain armed conflicts, for example in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Ukraine.
- Climate crisis: Droughts, storms and floods led to more internal displacement than armed conflicts in 2024. Around a third of displaced people fled for climate-related reasons, such as in Ethiopia.
- Poorness and lack of prospects: This is playing an increasing role, particularly in countries with weak political structures.
- Internally displaced persons: Almost 60% of refugees remain in their home country - often without legal protection and in extremely precarious conditions.
- Neighboring countries: 70% of international refugees seek protection in neighboring countries, which are often overburdened themselves.
- Children and young people: make up almost 40% of all refugees and are particularly vulnerable.
- Funding: cuts to international donors such as USAID are jeopardizing vital aid programmes.
- 2011: around 42.5 million people on the run.
- 2024: more than 123 million - an increase of almost 200% in 13 years.
- Internal displacement due to natural disasters has doubled in recent years.
Flight and the Sustainable Development Goals - a global challenge
Today, flight is the result of complex, overlapping crises: Wars, political instability, climate change and social hardship are driving millions of people to flee their homes. A dignified return or integration remains uncertain in many places - the international community is under enormous pressure.
Displacement and forced migration are closely linked to the United Nations' Global Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals). They show where poverty, inequality, hunger, lack of stability and climate change have particularly drastic consequences. The latest UN reports make it clear that rising refugee movements are jeopardizing the achievement of several SDGs and are also a reflection of social crises.
How humedica helps refugees
Sudan - Help in the civil war
Fighting between the military and militias in Sudan has been escalating since 2023. Millions of people are on the run in their own country. Hunger and a lack of medical care characterize the lives of internally displaced people.
Ultrasound examination by mobile medical team - emergency medical aid in war (Ukraine)
Ukraine - Health in times of war
The war in Ukraine has been destroying the lives of millions of people since 2022. Many are on the run in their own country, suffering from a lack of medical care and traumatic experiences.
South Sudan - Health and water
For years, civil war, hunger and flooding have forced millions of people in South Sudan to flee their homes. Refugees from neighboring Sudan are also seeking shelter in overcrowded camps. Almost everything is lacking there - especially medical aid and clean drinking water.
Hope for people on the run
Millions of refugees have lost everything. Your donation will help families who are in urgent need of medical care, food and safe accommodation. Every contribution provides protection and a new perspective.
With €54 you can provide a family with essential groceries for a month.
With €103 you can provide a family with emergency accommodation in the event of a disaster.
With €308 you can help a woman to become a beekeeper and live a self-determined life.
