UN News Today 11 June 2026 |

Refugee numbers drop for first time in a decade, but millions remain in prolonged exile

Global refugee numbers fell for the first time in a decade in 2025, declining three per cent to 41.6 million, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Despite the decrease, millions remain displaced with limited prospects for rebuilding their lives.

The decline was driven in part by increased returns: 14.7 million displaced people returned home last year, including 4.4 million refugees and 10.3 million internally displaced people. 

Significant returns were recorded in Afghanistan, Sudan and Syria, though UNHCR warned many took place under pressure and in fragile conditions.

UN High Commissioner Barr ham Sal lay stressed that humanitarian aid alone is not enough, noting that around 70 per cent of refugees remain trapped in long-term displacement.

“In 2025, fewer than 82,000 refugees were resettled globally, despite millions remaining in need of this vital pathway. That figure must increase, expanding solutions also requires greater responsibility sharing. Countries hosting the overwhelming majority of the world’s refugees can’t be left to shoulder this responsibility alone.”

He called for a shift toward solutions that expand access to education, healthcare, jobs and legal pathways towards settling in a new country.

UNHCR warned that without greater international support, millions could remain displaced for years to come.

FAO urges stronger global action as animal diseases spread across borders

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of growing risks from animal diseases, including avian influenza – or bird flu – African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and New World screwworm, as outbreaks increasingly threaten food security, trade and livelihoods worldwide.

Livestock sectors support more than one billion livelihoods globally, making animal health critical for economic stability and rural communities. 

The increased movement of animals and people, environmental pressures and uneven access to veterinary services are accelerating the spread of disease across regions.

“The impacts of these outbreaks extend far beyond animal health,” said FAO’s chief vet, warning of disruptions to agriculture, trade and food security. 

Recent outbreaks underscore the urgency: New World screw worm has re-emerged in the United States after decades of containment, while foot-and-mouth disease has spread beyond its traditional range in Africa into parts of Asia and the Middle East.

FAO stressed that prevention and preparedness remain the most effective and least costly response and is working with partners to strengthen early warning systems, surveillance and rapid response efforts worldwide.

WHO warns heat has killed 200,000 people in Europe in four years – most deaths preventable

Lastly, extreme heat has claimed more than 200,000 lives across Europe over the last four years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which warned that heatwaves are becoming a recurring public health crisis driven by climate change.

Launching updated Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance in Berlin on Thursday, WHO Regional Director Dr Hans Kloog said most of these deaths could have been prevented through stronger preparedness and coordinated government action. He warns that heat is a silent killer, but not an inevitable one.

The new guidance provides governments with evidence-based measures to reduce heat-related illness and deaths, including heat warning systems, cooling centres, urban greening, and support for vulnerable groups.

WHO stressed that staying hydrated and avoiding heat, remain important – but are not enough to address a growing systemic challenge.

Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with older people and those with pre-existing conditions among those most at risk. WHO said the goal is clear: zero heat-related deaths.

Jolina Dong, UN News