UNHCR warns 8.3 million refugees at risk as funding shortfall grows

The UN Refugee Agency has warned that around 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people are at risk of losing vital humanitarian aid and services due to a severe funding shortfall.

In a recent report, the agency said its available funding has dropped from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $3.9 billion in 2025. It also noted that by the end of July 2026, it had received only 32% of its total $8.5 billion funding needs for this year.

The agency added that this shortfall has forced cuts to essential services, including refugee registration, child and women protection, as well as livelihood programs, economic integration, and assistance for returnees.

Calls for urgent intervention

The agency further warned that continued reductions could lead to the shutdown of some protection systems, urging donors to provide immediate support and increase flexible funding to prevent the crisis from worsening.