The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that nearly 8.3 million refugees and displaced people worldwide risk losing access to essential aid, shelter and protection due to a severe funding shortfall.
The UN refugee agency said on Tuesday that only 32 per cent of the $8.5 billion required to fund its operations this year had been secured, raising concerns over its ability to sustain critical humanitarian services.
“Falling funding levels are having a dramatic impact on the enjoyment of a broad range of rights,” UNHCR said.
The agency added that inadequate funding was already leading to cuts in essential services and protection systems for people forced to flee violence, exploitation, exclusion and other threats.
According to UNHCR, humanitarian funding has declined significantly as several countries reduced their contributions. The agency’s funding dropped from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $3.9 billion in 2025.
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It warned that further funding shortages could affect the registration of refugees, provision of safe accommodation and specialised protection services for vulnerable children.
UNHCR also cautioned that refugees and displaced persons fleeing violence, exploitation and abuse could become increasingly vulnerable to smugglers and human traffickers if critical support systems collapse.
The agency called attention to the urgent need for adequate humanitarian funding to maintain essential assistance and protection for millions of displaced people worldwide.
