From The Straits Times · · 1m
UN refugee chief warns aid cuts threaten vital lifelines
UN refugee chief warns funding cuts risk global aid for refugees.
In brief
UN refugee chief warns funding cuts risk global aid for refugees. UNHCR chief Barham Salih warns deep funding shortfalls threaten critical refugee aid programs worldwide. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
UNHCR funding shortfall
UNHCR has secured only US$3 billion (S$3.8 billion), or 35%, of the US$8.5 billion it needs for 2026.
Workforce reduction
UNHCR has cut staff from 20,000 in 2024 to just under 12,000.
Protection floor warning
Salih said 'protection has a floor' and warned the crisis is already harming refugees and partners.
“protection has a floor”
Americas budget cut
The Americas face a 32% budget cut in 2027, with displaced people rising to 24.5 million.
Chad and Ethiopia impacts
Chad risks medical care disruption for 50,000 survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.
Refugee registration suspension
Refugee registration suspended for tens of thousands in Ethiopia from South Sudan and Eritrea.
At a glance
UNHCR chief Barham Salih warns deep funding shortfalls threaten critical refugee aid programs worldwide.
