This week the United Nations refugee agency released its annual report, updating the figures of displaced peoples worldwide. The Global Trends report found that there are 42 million people uprooted, including 16 million refugees and asylum seekers and 26 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Continuing violence in Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq, 
and Colombia have caused millions to flee their homes in search of safety.
The report’s numbers indicate a decrease from 2007 statistics. However, conflicts in early 2009 (particularly in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia) have already offset this difference.
Mennonite Central Committee operates in many countries affected by displaced persons. In the Darfur region of Sudan, the displaced population tops two million. Recent fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in 1.5 million displaced. 2008 was the worst year for internal displacement in Colombia, with numbers reaching four million.
In honor of World Refugee Day, countries around the world are hosting events to commemorate the millions displaced from their homes.
Here is a short video with some facts about world refugee day. Its pretty staggering.