Americas is world's top region for forced displacement, UNHCR says

The Americas has become the world's leading region for forced displacement, with 22.8 million people affected by the end of 2025, a rise from 21.9 million the previous year, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Colombia stands out as the top host country globally, providing refuge to 2.8 million individuals. The majority of these are Venezuelans, with Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador also hosting significant numbers. UNHCR highlighted Colombia's large-scale regularization efforts, which grant millions access to employment and services, contributing to the economy and local communities.

The report, 'Trends in the Americas 2025,' points to crises in Haiti, Nicaragua, northern Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela as key drivers of this displacement. In Central America, 181,900 Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Hondurans are identified as refugees, with an additional 406,400 asylum seekers and 1.1 million internally displaced people within these nations. Nicaragua alone accounts for 30,000 refugees and 264,000 asylum seekers.

Venezuelans remain one of the largest displaced populations globally, with 97% residing in Latin America and the Caribbean. UNHCR figures show 417,000 Venezuelan refugees and 6 million others needing international protection at the end of 2025. While returns to Venezuela have increased, UNHCR's survey indicates that about 9% of displaced Venezuelans plan to return within a year, stressing the need to support both host country inclusion and conditions for safe, sustainable return.

Haiti's displacement crisis is heavily linked to its severe insecurity, leading to 1.4 million internally displaced people in 2025, a 38% increase. The report underscores the complex challenges faced by the region, driven by conflict, political instability, and economic hardship.