41.6 million people are refugees

While poverty data on refugees remain limited, evidence from 10 countries indicates that refugees consistently experience higher poverty rates than nationals. In Ethiopia, the international poverty rate among refugees is 78 per cent, which is more than twice the national average of 31 per cent. When assessed through a multidimensional lens looking at health, education and standard of living, poverty is close to 50 per cent, compared to 24 per cent among nationals.

Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) prevalence reflects short-term weight loss, usually the result of a recent shock such as lack of calories and nutrients, and/or illness. It undermines child growth and development and is strongly linked to higher rates of mortality. In seven out of 15 countries with available data over the last 3 years, refugees and asylum-seeker children under 5 years old experienced a GAM rate over 10 per cent, indicating a serious nutrition crisis.

Between 2024 and 2025, UNHCR, in collaboration with host governments, conducted several Forced Displacement Surveys (FDS) that provide key insights into on refugees' level of inclusion, among other critical issues. For example, in Cameroon, close to 20 per cent of refugees experienced discrimination or harassment in the previous 12 months, compared to 33 per cent in Pakistan and over 50 per cent in Zambia (SDG 10.3.1).

Official Development Assistance (ODA) for refugee situations in low and middle income countries helps refugees, host communities, and returnees access essential services, livelihoods and rebuild their lives. ODA volumes remained broadly stable between 2020 (USD 14.5 billion) and 2024 (USD 14.4 billion). Most ODA supported hosting countries, with only 3.2 per cent directed to returnees in countries of origin. However, the historic decline in overall ODA in 2025 has affected refugees, host communities and returnees, although data on the full impact are pending.