What is a Refugee?
We’ve been working with USA for UNHCR for over five years now, and every so often it feels important to pause for a refresher on the basics. The word refugee is one we hear so often in the news, but what does it really mean?
At its core, a refugee is simply a person forced to flee their country because of violence or persecution. They’re leaving behind their homes, their jobs, their schools, and often their loved ones, because it’s no longer safe to stay.
Who is a Refugee?
According to the UN, a refugee is someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They don’t just choose to leave—they have to.
Right now, 69% of all refugees and others in need of protection come from just five countries: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, and South Sudan. That staggering percentage reminds us that the refugee crisis isn’t scattered across the globe in small ways—it’s concentrated, devastating, and deeply human.
Who is an Internally Displaced Person?
There’s another group that’s just as important to understand: internally displaced persons (IDPs). These are people who have fled their homes but haven’t crossed an international border. Instead, they find safety wherever they can—sometimes in nearby towns, schools, abandoned buildings, even forests.
Unlike refugees, IDPs don’t have the same protections under international law. They’re still under their government’s authority, which often means far less access to aid. Today, there are 73.5 million people who are internally displaced around the world—the largest number UNHCR has ever reported.
In 2024 alone, the biggest internal displacements happened in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Haiti, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Yemen. Each of these names represents millions of stories of people starting over in unimaginably hard circumstances.
Why This Matters
When we first partnered with USA for UNHCR, we wanted to do more than just share statistics. We wanted to help put faces and stories to the word refugee. Because behind every number is a parent trying to protect their kids, a teenager hoping to keep going to school, or a family who just wants to live together in peace.
It feels like the right time for a refresher, because sometimes these terms can get lost in headlines. But at its heart, being a refugee simply means being human—and needing safety.
How You Can Help
If this feels heavy, it’s because it is, but there are ways to help. Organizations like USA for UNHCR provide food, shelter, medicine, education, and hope to families who need it most. If you’d like to learn more or make a donation, you can visit USA for UNHCR to donate. Even small contributions can make a big difference.
Because at the end of the day, “refugee” isn’t a political word—it’s a human one.
P.S. We’re proud to stand with refugees, and if you’re able, we’d love for you to stand with us.
Image via USA for UNHCR