Conflict

Conflict can cause displacement when people flee their homes to escape violence, economic devastation, and chaos. This can include armed conflict, criminal violence, communal violence, or political violence. People may also flee in anticipation of violence or due to the cumulative effects of war. 

Displacement can occur within a country or across an international border. The actions of states, militaries, and other belligerent parties can affect the protection of displaced people. For example, humanitarian efforts may be stifled by violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), forcing civilians to seek help elsewhere. 

The intensity and types of violations can also affect how long people remain displaced. As of September 2023, war and violence were estimated to have caused 114 million people to be displaced globally. This includes 36.4 million refugees as of mid-2023, with more than half coming from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. Children make up half of those who are displaced, and nearly 2 million were born as refugees between 2018 and 2022.