UNHCR funding cuts put 8.3 million displaced people at risk of losing vital aid
Nearly 8.3 million refugees and other forcibly displaced people are currently at risk of losing access to vital assistance from the United Nations refugee agency as severe funding cuts push protection services towards breaking point. The post UNHCR funding cuts put 8.3 million displaced people at risk of losing vital aid appeared first on Nairametrics .
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warns that nearly 8.3 million refugees and displaced individuals could lose access to crucial aid due to severe funding cuts. In 2025, UNHCR's funding dropped from $5.2 billion in 2024 to $3.9 billion, while the number of people it aims to protect remains near historical highs. The agency requires $8.5 billion for 2025 but has received only 32% of that, amounting to $2.7 billion by mid-July.
Funding constraints are particularly impacting critical services in countries like Chad, Ethiopia, and Sudan. In Chad, 319,000 refugees face registration delays, denying them essential documentation. Around 233,000 children in Ethiopia could lose access to protection services, with child protection coverage declining by as much as 85% in some areas. In Sudan, tens of thousands of survivors of sexual violence and children at serious risk risk losing critical protection services.
The impact of funding cuts extends beyond immediate assistance requirements. UNHCR notes that the reduced funding is hampering efforts to help displaced people transition from dependency on humanitarian aid. Worldwide, 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced at the end of 2025, a decrease from the record 123.2 million in 2024. The funding challenges faced by UNHCR come as Nigeria continues to grapple with significant humanitarian needs, hosting 3.7 million forcibly displaced people as of April 2025.
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