GENEVA: The UN refugee agency has warned that nine million people in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria and Lebanon need additional assistance to survive the coming winter, including Afghan returnees who have arrived from neighbouring countries with limited resources.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday launched a fundraising appeal seeking at least $50 million to provide emergency winter assistance, $3 million more than it raised last year.
“Resources are scarce, and costs are spiralling just as winter looms in the northern hemisphere,” said Dominique Hyde, the agency’s director of external relations.
“Millions in these fragile, war-affected countries risk facing the elements without enough protection from the cold. We need to shield them immediately.”
The agency said millions of people across the four countries were already struggling with soaring food and energy prices, as well as shortages of fuel for heating and cooking.
Millions of Afghan Returnees at Risk
Afghanistan faces particular challenges as millions of people returned from neighbouring countries amid limited resources and worsening economic hardship.
The UNHCR said close to four million Afghans returned between January 2025 and July 2026, many arriving with little means to rebuild their lives or secure adequate shelter.
The agency warned that many returnees could face severe difficulties during winter without additional humanitarian support.
Winter Hardship Across Four Countries
In Ukraine, the fifth winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion is expected to bring temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The UNHCR warned that intensifying Russian strikes on civilians and humanitarian workers, combined with power outages, could leave vulnerable communities struggling to keep warm.
In Syria, millions of refugees have returned following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad. However, the agency warned that many returnees lack necessities, including shelter, warm clothing and heating fuel.
Lebanon is also facing a major assistance gap, with around 300,000 people expected to require winter support.
Due to funding constraints, the UNHCR said it could reach only half of them.
UNHCR Faces Funding Shortfall
The appeal comes as the refugee agency struggles with a severe funding crisis that has forced it to reduce its workforce and cut back operations.
The UNHCR said 117.8 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced by the end of 2025, down slightly from the record 123.2 million recorded in 2024.
Despite the enormous humanitarian needs, the agency has struggled to secure sufficient resources.
It requested $8.5 billion for its programmes in 2026 but had received only $3 billion in available funding by October 9.
The agency warned that without urgent financial support, millions of displaced people and vulnerable families could face another winter without adequate shelter, heating and essential supplies.
