The world is faced with an ever-present crisis. Around the world, families and individuals are being forced to leave their homes behind and find refuge elsewhere. While there are often misconceptions around refugees and migration, these facts about the global refugee crisis will help speak truth to the noise.
1. Who is a refugee, and how many refugees are there in the world today?
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. There are currently 42.5 million refugees worldwide.
2. Where do refugees come from?
67% of the world’s refugees come from just five countries: Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Sudan.
3. What is the latest wave of refugee displacement?
The conflict that began in Sudan in April 2023 has led to over 13 million people being displaced, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis.
4. What countries host the most refugees?
68% of the world’s refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, which struggle to accommodate them. Türkiye, Pakistan, and Uganda host over 6.3 million refugees combined.
5. How many of the world’s refugees are children?
UNHCR estimates that more than 2.3 million children were born into a refugee life between 2018 and 2024, which is an average of 338,000 children per year.
6. How many of the world’s refugees are in need of resettlement?
According to UNHCR, about 2.5 million refugees are estimated to be in need of resettlement in 2026.
7. Since the end of World War II, Canada has welcomed more than one and a quarter million refugees. More than 327,000 of these refugees have been privately sponsored.
It is a myth that refugees in Canada receive more than Canadians on social assistance. Government-sponsored refugees receive income through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) during their 12-month sponsorship period, which is roughly equivalent to what Canadians receive on social assistance. Privately sponsored refugees are not eligible to receive RAP or social assistance during their sponsorship year.
8. Research shows that, with time, refugees have the same levels of economic success as other Canadians, in terms of household income and home ownership.
In 2024, Canada maintained its proud humanitarian tradition of being one of the top three refugee resettlement countries in the world, resettling 49,000 refugees.
Change the Story
World Renew believes that refugee sponsorship is a meaningful way for a church or group to live out the words of Matthew 25:35, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” You can make a difference. World Renew is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder with the Government of Canada and has been faithfully supporting churches and faith groups in welcoming newcomers to Canada since 1979. Our Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Program works with Canadian groups to submit applications and guide you through the sponsorship process.
By sponsoring a refugee, you can demonstrate Christ’s love in action in the midst of the world’s greatest refugee crisis. When strangers become neighbours, cultures are shared, friendships are formed, and communities become stronger. Contact us to learn more about becoming a sponsor.
