Chapter 1 + EXPLORE THE DATA + Demographics of forcibly displaced CHAPTER 1 Global Forced Displacement These figures show us that some people are far too quick to rush to conflict, and way too slow to find solutions. The consequence is devastation, displacement, and anguish for each of the millions of people forcibly uprooted from their homes. Filippo Grandi UN High Commissioner for Refugees In 2022, the number of people forcibly displaced by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order grew by 21 per cent standing at an estimated 108.4 million at the end of the year.13 More than 1 in 74 people worldwide remained forcibly displaced as a result,14 almost 90 per cent of them in low- and middleincome countries. The end-year total represents an increase of 19 million compared to the end of 2021 – more than the populations of Ecuador, the Netherlands (Kingdom of the) or Somalia. It is also the largest ever increase between years according to UNHCR’s statistics on forced displacement. Over half of the increase was due to record numbers of refugees, asylum-seekers and other people in need of international protection forced to flee during 2022 (see figure 1). During the first five months of 2023, forced displacement has continued to rise and UNHCR estimates that the global figure likely exceeds 110 million people at the time of writing, in May 2023. 13 The total number of people forcibly displaced is calculated using UNHCR, UNRWA and IDMC statistics. See UNHCR population categories explained. 14 A decade ago, in 2013, the same ratio was 1 in 142; 20 years ago, in 2003, it was 1 in 164, and 30 years ago, in 1993, it was 1 in 118. UNHCR > GLOBAL TRENDS 2022 7