UN agency warns funding crisis could leave 8.3 million people without aid
The UNHCR has warned that a severe funding crisis, exacerbated by aid cuts, could leave over 8 million displaced people without essential support. The agency faces a multi-billion dollar shortfall, threatening critical services like refugee registration and protection programs.
Why it matters
A collapse in humanitarian aid funding risks exacerbating global displacement crises and destabilizing regions already struggling with conflict and migration.
GENEVA, Sept 29 (Reuters) – A deepening funding crisis could leave nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people without access to assistance this year, and push protection systems in some countries towards collapse, the United Nations refugee agency warned on Tuesday.
UNHCR is facing one of its worst-ever funding crises following aid cuts by the United States and other countries. It faces a $5.789 billion funding gap, according to a new report by the agency, after money available to the agency fell 24% between 2024 and 2025.
As of July, UNHCR had received only 32% of the $8.505 billion it required in 2026, while the number of forcibly displaced and stateless people globally remains near record levels.
UNHCR expects the population under its mandate to reach 131.2 million by year end, up from 129.4 million at the end of last year.
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