GENEVA: The United Nations refugee agency is facing a deepening funding crisis despite millions of people worldwide remaining displaced by conflict and persecution, raising concerns over its ability to provide essential humanitarian assistance.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, down from a record 123.2 million in 2024.
Despite the decline, the agency warned that humanitarian needs remain enormous while financial support is falling short.
UNHCR requested $8.5 billion for its programmes in 2026 but had secured only $3 billion in available funding by October 9, leaving a shortfall of $5.5 billion.
The funding squeeze has forced the agency to reduce its workforce and scale back operations at a time when millions of displaced people continue to depend on international assistance.
Winter Aid Under Pressure
The funding crisis is particularly concerning as winter approaches in several conflict-affected countries.
ALSO READ: Four Million Afghans Among Nine Million Facing Winter Hardship: UN
On Friday, UNHCR launched an appeal seeking at least $50 million to provide winter assistance to around nine million people in Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
The agency said millions of vulnerable people face rising food and energy prices, fuel shortages and inadequate shelter as temperatures fall.
“Resources are scarce, and costs are spiralling just as winter looms in the northern hemisphere,” said Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s director of external relations.
She warned that millions of people in fragile, conflict-affected countries risked facing freezing conditions without adequate protection.
Four Countries Face Winter Crisis
In Ukraine, the approaching winter will be the fifth since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Temperatures could fall to minus 20 degrees Celsius, while attacks on civilian infrastructure and power outages are worsening conditions for residents.
In Syria, millions of refugees have returned following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad. However, many returnees still lack adequate housing, warm clothing and heating supplies.
Lebanon is also facing significant humanitarian needs, with around 300,000 people expected to require winter assistance. UNHCR said existing resources would allow it to reach only half of them.
Afghanistan is facing additional pressure from the return of millions of people from neighbouring countries, many of whom have limited resources to rebuild their lives.
