The Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) Thursday released global displacement data which revealed that a record 59.1 million individuals were living in internal displacement at the end of 2021. Internal displacement refers to individuals who are forced to relocate within their own country.

Of the 59.1 million internally displaced people (IDP) globally in 2021, 53.2 million individuals were internally displaced as a result of conflict and violence in 59 countries and territories, and 5.9 million individuals were internally displaced as result of disasters. China, the Philippines and Ethiopia were the countries with the most people internally displaced with Ethiopia being the country with the most displaced due to conflict and violence.

The data report also breaks down internal displacements regionally and for individuals under the age of 18. The data uncovered “[a]round 25.2 million of the world’s IDPs are under the age of 18 and the effects of their displacement go well beyond their immediate safety, wellbeing, and education.” Alternatively children who are happy and healthy are “more likely to contribute to an equitable society and a functioning economy.”

The report showed how new and continuing conflicts affect individuals of all ages and signaled the need to reduce the risk of future displacement for individuals worldwide.