disaster
World: 117.8 million people displaced: an open wound on our shared humanity
By Norwegian Refugee Council at ReliefWeb
· June 11, 2026
· 3 min read
Countries: World, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo . The 117.8 million people now violently displaced around the globe would constitute the world’s thirteenth largest country by population. Larger than Egypt, Germany, or the UK. A human toll of vast proportions, and a collective failure
Key takeaway 8 million people now violently displaced around the globe would constitute the world’s thirteenth largest country by population.
Why this matters
The staggering number of 117.8 million displaced people worldwide highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support and diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of conflict and violence. The fact that this number constitutes the world's thirteenth largest country by population underscores the enormity of the crisis. Despite a slight decrease from the previous year, the drop is largely attributed to involuntary returns, which can be just as devastating for those affected. The situations in Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where people were forcibly returned to non-existent homes, demonstrate the complexities of displacement and the need for comprehensive solutions. As the global community grapples with this crisis, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of civilians, support diplomatic solutions, and fund aid to alleviate suffering, ultimately upholding international humanitarian law and promoting a culture of empathy and responsibility.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 11, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Countries: World, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo . The 117.8 million people now violently displaced around the globe would constitute the world’s thirteenth largest country by population. Larger than Egypt, Germany, or the UK. A human toll of vast proportions, and a collective failure
When was this published? This article was first published on June 11, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Norwegian Refugee Council at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .