DAMASCUS, Syria — On World Refugee Day, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi issued a stark warning: more than 122 million people have now been forcibly displaced worldwide due to war, persecution, and violence the highest number on record.
Speaking from Syria, where conflict has displaced millions for over a decade, Grandi said the world is witnessing a growing failure to resolve crises and support those fleeing danger.
“We are sounding the alarm,” Grandi said. “More people than ever are fleeing their homes, but support for them is falling far behind.”
According to UNHCR data, displacement has surged due to ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gaza. Grandi criticized what he called a collapse in international resolve, citing both the continuation of conflict and recent deep cuts to humanitarian funding.
“These cuts are not just numbers on paper. They choke off food, shelter, and medical aid to millions who are barely surviving,” he stated.
In Syria, where the civil war left lasting devastation, Grandi marked the day alongside families who have returned home following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. UNHCR estimates that two million displaced Syrians have returned since then the largest voluntary return in the region in over a decade.
Grandi described the scene in Syria as “a rare moment of hope.” He met returning families now trying to rebuild lives amid damaged infrastructure, economic hardship, and limited services. Despite the challenges, many expressed relief to be back on familiar ground.
“The joy of returning, of seeing their homes again, despite the wreckage it’s a powerful reminder of what refugees really want: safety, dignity, and the chance to restart,” Grandi said.
He praised neighboring countries for hosting Syrian refugees throughout the crisis and thanked communities that are now receiving returnees. He also commended local UNHCR teams and partner organizations who continue to provide aid and support on the ground.
Grandi stressed that low-income nations, often near conflict zones, are bearing the brunt of the refugee crisis despite their own economic constraints. He called on wealthier states, financial institutions, and private companies to increase their contributions.
“This is not about charity,” he said. “It’s about shared responsibility. Without stronger support, the countries doing the most will be forced to do less.”
He pointed to acts of generosity by host communities, even in struggling economies, as proof that compassion endures.
Grandi concluded with a call to action: “On this World Refugee Day, let’s match the courage of refugees with our own. The world cannot look away. Stability and peace for all depend on our response now.”
UNHCR’s global appeal continues, as the agency seeks increased funding and broader international cooperation to meet urgent needs and uphold the right to safety for those forced to flee.
