Global displacement rises as conflicts deepen, Latin America struggles

The world is experiencing a sustained decline in peace, with displacement reaching unprecedented levels. According to the Global Peace Index, the world has seen its fifteenth deterioration in peace in the last 18 years, with Russia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Israel as the least peaceful nations Source: El Tiempo. The ACNUR report reveals that 68.7 million people are internally displaced globally, and 4.4 million refugees were forced to return to their countries of origin in 2025, triple the number from 2024, under coercive conditions Source: ABC España.

Displacement crisis in Latin America

Latin America bears a heavy burden. Colombia remains the top host country for refugees worldwide, sheltering 2.8 million Venezuelans Source: Portafolio. At the same time, internal displacement continues: Indepaz reports over 8,000 people displaced in Colombia in early 2026, with 258 massacres in the first four months Source: El Colombiano. In Haiti, gang violence has driven 1.4 million people from their homes, a 38% increase in a year Source: CNN. Venezuela itself faces a dual crisis: political detentions and emigration. Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón counts 565 political prisoners, while Foro Penal reports 389 and notes recent excarcelations of women and soldiers Source: El Nacional, Infobae.

Regional diplomatic responses

Chile seeks to reestablish diplomatic relations with Venezuela to facilitate the deportation of undocumented Venezuelans, calling for Venezuela's goodwill Source: La República. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights may establish a permanent presence in Venezuela, following a history of strained relations Source: El Nacional.

The data underscore a region in turmoil, with humanitarian needs outpacing international response capacity.