As we mark Refugee Week 2026, global displacement is at historic levels, with millions of people forced from their homes each year.

At the moment, there are more than 117 million people forcibly displaced globally – that is one in every 70 people on the planet or equivalent to the population of Japan.

Seventy-five per cent of these people are living precariously in low and middle-income countries.

The number includes about 30 million people designated as refugee by UNHCR and almost 70 million internally displaced people.

But at current rates, just half a per cent of these people will ever be resettled in safe third countries because many nations have drastically reduced their intakes of refugees.

These ten key facts highlight key information about refugees, the challenges they face and the valuable contributions they make.

1. Global displacement is at an all-time high

More than one in every 70 people around the world have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violence, conflict or human rights violations.

The figure of more than 117 million people forcibly displaced is nearly triple the 40 million recorded just two decades ago.

2. Almost half of the world’s displaced people are children

Of the 117 million displaced in 2024, an estimated 49 million – about 40 per cent – are under 18 years of age, almost triple the number recorded in 2010.

Many have been uprooted from conflict zones including Sudan, Myanmar, the Gaza Strip, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan.

3. Refugees contribute more to Australia’s economy than they receive in services

Refugees and humanitarian migrants make vital, long-term economic contributions to Australia through high rates of entrepreneurship, regional labour force participation, and essential skills acquisition, according to a UNSW study.

While there are upfront settlement costs, over time this fuels growth, stimulates local economies, and helps offset the impacts of an aging population. Refugees are twice as likely to start a business than locally born people.

4. Less than one percent of refugees will ever be resettled

Millions of people are in need of resettlement, but the process is limited, complex and lengthy. Multiple agencies and support networks work together to help individuals and families access safety and rebuild their lives.

Refugee vetting typically takes 18-24 months, and this has been extended by the US’ effective withdrawal from settlement.

5. Most displaced people stay in their own or neighbouring countries

More than 60 per cent of displaced people remain within their own countries’ borders as internally displaced persons. Low-and-middle income countries host 71 percent of the world’s displaced population, and 66 percent of those who cross borders stay in neighbouring countries.

Fewer than one per cent are able to access resettlement in high income nations.

6. Climate change is accelerating displacement

Climate related disasters—such as floods, storms, droughts and wildfires—have caused 220 million internal displacements in the past decade, averaging 60,000 people displaced every day.

Three in four forcibly displaced people live in countries highly exposed to climate hazards, making climate related displacement even more likely in the years ahead.

7. Australia remains a leading host country for refugees

Australia accepts 20,000 refugee each year; one of the highest intakes in the world on a per capita basis.

Australia’s settlement system is generous and sophisticated and provided to refugee families all of the services ordinary Australians can access.

8. Refugees have shaped science, culture and innovation

Refugees bring essential skills, knowledge and experience to their new communities. Scientist Sir Gus Nossal, artist Judy Cassab, comedian Anh Do, sports identity Les Murray all arrived in Australia as refugees.

Their diverse perspectives often fuel innovation, spark new ideas and strengthen the cultural fabric of the places they now call home, reminding us that creativity thrives when people of different backgrounds are empowered to contribute.

9. Refugees fill critical labour shortages

Refugees play vital roles in the care industry, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, transport, tourism and education. More than half of refugees living in Australia are employed after one year, rising to 70 per cent after four years. One in five refugees are self-employed.

10. Refugees are neighbours, friends and community members

Refugees are more than numbers – they are people with hopes and dreams whose lives have been disrupted by conflict, climate change and threats to their safety.

People seeking refuge flee because they have no other option to protect themselves and their families. They come to Australia not to take jobs and housing but because life in their homelands is untenable.

CEO of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia Melinda Collinson said refugees had helped to build modern Australia.

“Many former refugees are now achieving amazing things in Australia in fields as varied as business, sport, the arts, and science,” Ms Collinson said.

“Chef Luke Nguyen, science educator Karl Kruszelnicki, artist Mirka Mora, comedian Ahn Do and scientist Sir Gustav Nossal are just a few.

“But alongside these famous achievers are the thousands of other refugees with their own personal success stories who are quietly contributing to our society,” she said.