UN Refugee Agency Warns Funding Crisis Threatens Aid for 8.3 Million Displaced People

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) issued a warning on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, that a severe funding crisis could leave nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced individuals without essential assistance this year. The agency is facing one of its worst funding shortfalls, with a $5.789 billion gap and available funds decreasing by 24% between 2024 and 2025. As of July 2026, UNHCR had received only 32% of its required $8.505 billion, while the global population under its mandate is near record levels, projected to reach 131.2 million by year-end.