The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a warning that approximately 8.3 million refugees and displaced persons are at risk of losing a portion of the aid they rely on in 2026. This is due to a decline in humanitarian funding. The UNHCR's available funds have decreased from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $3.9 billion in 2025. As of July 2026, the agency had only received 32% of the $8.5 billion required to fund its activities for the year.
The UNHCR has stated that it is "at a breaking point" due to the decline in financial contributions. This has forced the agency to reduce essential programs in several regions. The situation is particularly dire in Chad and Sudan. In Chad, 319,000 refugees are facing delays in registration. Up to 200,000 women and girls may also lose access to safe spaces and prevention programs, while around 233,000 children risk being deprived of protection services.
The UNHCR has highlighted the specific challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons in various countries. In Sudan, tens of thousands of victims of sexual violence and children in danger may lose access to essential services. In Iraq, around 350,000 refugees and asylum seekers risk losing access to economic inclusion opportunities. In Syria, 162,500 internally displaced persons and returnees will not be able to benefit from financial assistance due to a lack of additional funds.
The reduction in humanitarian aid is also affecting reintegration efforts. In Afghanistan, reintegration allocations have only benefited 175 households since the beginning of 2026, compared to 5,300 in 2024. The UNHCR has called on donors and partners to provide urgent support to address this situation. The agency's Director of External Relations, Dominique Hyde, has warned that "protection cannot be reduced indefinitely without causing systems to collapse."
The UNHCR has emphasized the need for immediate action to address the decline in humanitarian funding. The agency requires $8.5 billion to fund its activities in 2026, but has only received 32% of this amount as of July. The situation is critical, and the UNHCR is urging donors to provide urgent support to ensure that refugees and displaced persons receive the assistance they need.
The decline in humanitarian funding has significant implications for refugees and displaced persons. In addition to the risks mentioned earlier, many people may be forced to return to situations of violence or exploitation. The UNHCR is working to provide assistance to those in need, but its ability to do so is being severely constrained by the lack of funding.
The UNHCR's warning highlights the need for sustained support for refugees and displaced persons. The agency is calling on donors to provide urgent funding to address the humanitarian crisis. Without this support, millions of people may be forced to endure even greater hardship and suffering. The international community must come together to address this crisis and ensure that those in need receive the assistance they require.
Key points
- The UNHCR has warned that 8.3 million refugees and displaced persons are at risk of losing aid due to declining humanitarian funding.
