The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that a deepening global funding crisis could leave nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people without access to assistance this year.
In a report released on September 29, the agency said its ability to provide protection and assistance is being increasingly affected by reductions in humanitarian funding.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
People at risk: Nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people. UNHCR funding requirement: $8.505 billion for 2026.
Funding received: 32% by July. Funding gap: Approximately $5.789 billion.
Projected population under UNHCR mandate: 131.2 million by the end of 2026
Majorly affected programmes: Registration, child protection and services for survivors of gender-based violence.
UNHCR said it requires $8.505 billion for its 2026 operations, but had received only 32% of that amount by July, leaving a funding shortfall of approximately $5.789 billion.
The agency said available funding fell by 24% between 2024 and 2025, while the number of people under its mandate remains close to record levels.
UNHCR expects the population under its mandate to reach approximately 131.2 million by the end of 2026, compared with 129.4 million at the end of 2025.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The funding shortage affects more than emergency financial assistance. UNHCR's assessment indicates that reduced resources can also disrupt the administrative and protection systems that help displaced people obtain documentation, access services and receive protection. The agency has already implemented major cost-saving measures. It said its workforce was reduced by 33% in 2025, offices were closed in 140 locations and operations were discontinued in 15 countries compared with 2024. The situation also creates additional pressure on countries that host large refugee populations, particularly where national systems are already operating under financial and humanitarian constraints.
The funding pressure is already affecting programmes related to refugee registration, child protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence.
The agency warned that further reductions could weaken protection systems in countries hosting large displaced populations, leaving more people without documentation and access to essential support.
