Data on the Forcibly Displaced: From Statistical Shadows to Inclusion

Forced displacement continues to increase globally, with most displaced people living in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs) where displacement is often protracted and resources constrained. In many contexts, reliable and comparable socioeconomic data on forcibly displaced persons remain limited, creating significant gaps in understanding their living conditions and how their welfare is linked to that of surrounding host communities. 

Data on the Forcibly Displaced: From Statistical Shadows to Inclusion brings together analysis and country experience to examine the challenges–and opportunities–in generating and using data on displaced populations. The report demonstrates how stronger displacement data systems can support policies that advance the socioeconomic inclusion of forcibly displaced persons while also improving outcomes for host communities. 

The report is structured in two parts: 

• Part 1 examines persistent challenges–and opportunities–in producing reliable displacement data, highlights recent progress, and identifies remaining barriers to statistical inclusion. It also outlines practical approaches to strengthening data systems and translating evidence into policy relevant insights. 

• Part 2 presents countries case studies from LMICs) illustrating how governments and partners have addressed data gaps and applied evidence to design more targeted and effective responses for both displaced populations and host communities. 

Across both parts, the report highlights that integrating displaced populations into national statistical systems strengthens the evidence for policymaking and positions countries to design and implement policies that respond more effectively to the needs of all populations living within their borders. 

The report was developed with support from the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Global Practice and the World Bank–UNHCR Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement.