Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre
The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) is the world's authoritative source for data and analysis on internal displacement caused by conflict, violence, and disasters.
Profile
Tracks and analyzes global data on people forced to flee their homes but remaining within their own countries.
The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) is the world's authoritative source for data and analysis on internal displacement caused by conflict, violence, and disasters. Established as part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), IDMC has become the go-to resource for governments, NGOs, and international organizations seeking validated estimates and trends on displacement. Its flagship product, the annual Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID), provides comprehensive data on displacement figures, drivers, and impacts across 104 countries and territories.
In 2026, IDMC reported a near-record 82.2 million people living in internal displacement globally, with conflict-related displacements reaching an all-time high of 32.3 million in 2025. The organization collaborates with partners like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to collect and analyze displacement data, though visibility has declined in some regions due to reduced assessments. IDMC's work is critical for shaping policies and responses to displacement, particularly as climate change and escalating conflicts exacerbate the crisis. The organization is headquartered in Geneva and operates under the leadership of director Tracy Lucas.
Who buys this
- Governments and policymakers needing displacement data for planning
- Humanitarian NGOs designing aid programs
- International organizations like the UN and IOM
- Researchers and academics studying migration and conflict
- Media outlets reporting on global displacement trends
Publicly disclosed clients
- Norwegian Refugee Council
- International Organization for Migration
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Authoritative annual GRID report with global displacement data cited by major institutions
- Partnerships with primary data collectors like IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix
- Specialized focus on internal displacement (vs. cross-border refugee movements)
Watch for
- Declining data visibility in conflict zones due to reduced assessments
- Pressure to maintain neutrality in politically charged displacement contexts
- Resource constraints as displacement numbers hit record highs
Recent moves
Key Information
- Founded
- 1998
- Headquarters
- Geneva
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre?
The IDMC is the global authority on data and analysis for people forced to flee homes but remaining within their countries. Part of the Norwegian Refugee Council, it provides validated displacement figures, trends, and impacts across 104 countries, informing governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
How many people are internally displaced worldwide?
In 2026, IDMC reported 82.2 million people living in internal displacement globally, with conflict-related displacements reaching 32.3 million in 2025. These near-record figures highlight escalating crises, making IDMC's annual Global Report on Internal Displacement essential for tracking trends.
Who uses IDMC's displacement data?
Governments, humanitarian NGOs, UN agencies, and researchers rely on IDMC's data for policy-making, aid programs, and analysis. Notable partners include the Norwegian Refugee Council and International Organization for Migration. The data shapes responses to displacement crises globally.
How does IDMC collect displacement data?
IDMC collaborates with partners like IOM to gather displacement figures, using methodologies detailed in their annual GRID report. Challenges include reduced visibility in conflict zones. Their database covers 104 countries, combining field assessments with validated estimates.
What's in IDMC's annual Global Report on Internal Displacement?
The GRID report provides comprehensive displacement statistics, drivers (conflict, disasters), and impacts across 104 countries. It's the authoritative source for trends, cited by institutions worldwide. The 2026 edition highlighted conflict as the leading displacement driver.
Why is tracking internal displacement important?
Accurate displacement data informs humanitarian responses, policy decisions, and resource allocation. With climate change and conflicts increasing displacements, IDMC's work helps organizations address growing crises effectively. Their neutral, evidence-based approach is critical for global displacement monitoring.
Sources
- www.internal-displacement.org — 2026 GRID report details and methodology
- www.nrc.no — 2026 displacement statistics and director quotes
- www.iom.int — Partnership with IOM and 2025 displacement figures
- www.internal-displacement.org — Data collection methodology and focus areas