More than 130,000 people have crossed into the Syrian Arab Republic and over 1 million people have been displaced inside Lebanon since early March, as the war in the Middle East drives growing cross-border movements and displacement across the region.
These developments are placing additional pressure on already vulnerable communities and increasing humanitarian needs, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said today, citing new data from its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).
"The current situation is a stark reminder of how quickly instability can reshape mobility patterns across entire regions," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "Many of those on the move are already living in fragile conditions, and as pressures grow, humanitarian needs will increase. Sustained international support is essential to ensure people receive the protection and assistance they need, wherever they are."
Movements linked to the crisis in Lebanon continue, with over 130,000 individuals crossing into the Syrian Arab Republic between 2 and 18 March, according to DTM Syria, including Syrians (95%) and Lebanese nationals (5%). Reported needs among these arrivals include cash assistance, food and shelter, with most individuals relying on temporary accommodation arrangements, often staying with relatives or friends. The majority of those arriving are families and young men who had travelled to Lebanon for work and may intend to return once conditions allow.
Emergency mobility tracking has also recorded more than 82,000 individuals arriving across hundreds of locations in Syria, underscoring the widespread geographic impact of these movements and the need for sustained humanitarian support.
Inside Lebanon, displacement continues to rise sharply. According to national authorities, more than 1 million internally displaced persons have been recorded as of 22 March, including over 134,000 people sheltering in 644 collective sites. Most are, however, living outside these collective shelters, staying with relatives and host communities or renting, while others sleep in cars or out in the open, placing increasing strain on local infrastructure, housing, and public services.
Across the region, mobility patterns suggest that many movements are precautionary and temporary, as people seek safety while monitoring the evolving situation, including in Iran. In Iraq, large-scale displacement has not been observed, although small numbers of arrivals linked to the crisis have been recorded at border crossing points.
Meanwhile, movements from Iran into Pakistan continue, with over 6,700 individuals recorded between 1 and 16 March, most entering through the Taftan-Mirjaveh border crossing. The majority consist of Pakistani returnees, alongside Iranian nationals with valid visas or entry permits, as reported by government sources.
Although return movements from Iran to Afghanistan have so far remained limited due to insecurity in both countries, significant transportation constraints within Iran, and expectations of a prompt resolution to the conflict, this situation is anticipated to change rapidly. Following holiday periods, a sharp increase in return movements is expected, driven by heightened insecurity, pressure, unemployment and deteriorating living conditions for undocumented Afghans in Iran, which are likely to trigger both forced and spontaneous returns.
The situation has further prompted movements of third-country nationals across the region. Individuals from multiple countries have been recorded crossing into Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, often facilitated by their respective governments, highlighting the broader international dimension of the crisis.
IOM continues to monitor developments closely, working with national authorities and partners to track movements, inform the response, and deliver assistance where it is most needed. As displacement patterns evolve across borders, sustained international support will be critical to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left without access to protection, essential services, and timely humanitarian aid.
IOM joins the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for restraint and urgent de-escalation to prevent further humanitarian consequences. Civilians, including migrants and displaced people, must be protected at all times, and international humanitarian law must be fully respected.
Read the full report here .
