Iran (IMNA) - According to UNHCR, up to 11.6 million refugees and others forced to flee their homes risk losing access to direct humanitarian assistance this year —amounting to roughly one-third of all people the UN agency supported last year. Officials warn that these cuts are leading to rapidly deteriorating living conditions, increased risks of exploitation and abuse, and could trigger further waves of displacement.
Drastic Reductions Across UNHCR Programs
Key details released by the agency and humanitarian groups include:
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In 2025, UNHCR assistance programs have already been reduced by $1.4 billion, with only 23% of the organization’s $10.6 billion funding needs met by midyear.
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Global reductions have led to a 60% cut in financial assistance and vital relief supplies, and forced curtailment of housing programs. Every sector—health, education, water, and protection—has been hit.
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In Niger, cuts in shelter aid have left families in precarious, overcrowded conditions or facing homelessness.
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About 1.9 million Afghans have returned or have been deported since January; available support fails to cover even basic food costs, let alone rent, threatening efforts at reintegration.
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In Bangladesh, education for approximately 230,000 Rohingya refugee children is at risk of suspension.
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UNHCR’s entire health program in Lebanon could shut down by the end of the year, affecting thousands of vulnerable people.
Global Impact and U.S. Funding Suspension
UNHCR described the current worldwide refugee situation as "alarming," echoing concerns over rising needs alongside shrinking budgets. Earlier this year, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a suspension of nearly all funding for the agency—a major blow since the United States had historically been its leading donor, contributing about $2 billion annually.
As a consequence, families across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are contending with slashed aid, reduced protection, and plummeting access to life-saving services, heightening the urgency for additional donor support and international solidarity.
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