UNHCR warns funding shortfall could strip aid from 8.3 million displaced people
The UN refugee agency says a deepening financing gap may leave nearly 8.3 million refugees and displaced persons without assistance this year.
UNHCR warned that a severe funding crisis could deprive almost 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people of essential aid in 2026. A new report shows a $5.789 billion gap after donor contributions dropped 24 % from 2024 to 2025, leaving the agency with just 32 % of the $8.505 billion it needs. The displaced population is expected to rise to 131.2 million by year-end, up from 129.4 million last year.
To cope, UNHCR has already cut its workforce by a third, closed offices in 140 locations and ended operations in 15 countries. The shortfall threatens registration processes, child-protection services and safe-space programmes for women and girls, with acute impacts reported in Chad, Sudan and Afghanistan. Additionally, donor funds are increasingly earmarked, limiting flexibility to address the most urgent needs.
Why it matters
A funding collapse could cripple global protection systems for millions of refugees and stateless people.
In this story
