UNHCR Warns 8.3 Million Refugees Risk Losing Vital Aid Amid Funding Crisis

AFP

UNHCR Warns 8.3 Million Could Lose Life-Saving Aid as Funding Crisis Deepens.

The UNHCR has warned that 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people could lose access to life-saving assistance this year as the agency faces a severe funding crisis that is forcing cuts to essential humanitarian programmes worldwide. 

The UN refugee agency said it has received only 32 per cent of the $8.505 billion it requires to fund its global operations in 2026, leaving a funding gap of $5.789 billion. UNHCR described the shortfall as one of the most serious funding challenges in its history, with vulnerable families already feeling the impact of reduced services. 

According to the agency, funding cuts are affecting a wide range of critical programmes, including refugee registration, child protection initiatives and support services for survivors of gender-based violence. These reductions are already disrupting operations in several countries, including Sudan, Chad and Afghanistan, where millions of people rely on humanitarian assistance after fleeing conflict and persecution. 

UNHCR warned that without additional financial support, many displaced people could lose access to protection services, healthcare, education and other forms of emergency assistance that are essential for their safety and wellbeing. The agency said women, children and other vulnerable groups are likely to be among those most severely affected if funding continues to fall short. 

The organisation stressed that humanitarian needs continue to grow as conflicts and displacement persist in multiple regions, placing increasing pressure on already stretched relief efforts. It urged governments and international donors to provide urgent additional funding to prevent further reductions in aid and ensure refugees and displaced families continue receiving the support they depend on. 


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