Global Displaced Population Hits Record as UN Refugee Agency Faces Funding Cuts

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that the number of people forcibly displaced due to war and violence has reached a historic high of 122.1 million as of April, marking ten consecutive years of increases in the global displaced population. Despite this unprecedented crisis, the agency is facing a severe funding shortfall, with its budget effectively stagnating at 2015 levels following significant aid cuts from major donors. This financial strain is hampering the UNHCR's capacity to respond to emergencies in crisis-hit countries such as Sudan and Syria [para. 1][para. 2][para. 3].

Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s assistant high commissioner for operations, stated that the widening gap between escalating humanitarian needs and available resources is forcing the agency to triage its efforts, prioritizing interventions with the highest impact and in the most urgent regions. However, the reduced funding has had tangible negative impacts, such as diminished access to healthcare, limited support for victims of sexual or domestic violence, reduced educational opportunities for refugee children, and less assistance with shelter and essential items [para. 4][para. 5].

Key epicenters of the crisis include Syria, Sudan, and Myanmar. Syria’s ongoing 14-year conflict has displaced over 13 million people, with services such as electricity and security remaining extremely fragile despite tentative stability after the previous government’s fall. The UNHCR has only received 15% of the $575.4 million required for Syria’s displaced population in 2024 [para. 7][para. 8]. Sudan is currently experiencing what Mazou describes as the world’s largest and most devastating displacement crisis, with over 12 million people—one in three Sudanese—driven from their homes, and more than 4 million crossing into neighboring countries already struggling to cope. The region’s response plan needs $1.8 billion, but so far, less than 14% has been secured [para. 9][para. 10]. In Myanmar, a mix of renewed armed conflict since 2021 and a significant earthquake has led to 19.9 million people in need of humanitarian aid, and 3.5 million internally displaced [para. 11].

To counter the funding gap and rising needs, the UNHCR seeks new partnerships by engaging private sector entities. In 2023, the agency’s Global Refugee Forum resulted in 1,750 pledges from various stakeholders, with follow-up meetings planned to assess progress [para. 13]. Mazou singled out the increasing humanitarian contributions from China’s private sector, highlighting not just financial support but also the provision of technology and human capital innovations. He cited examples such as Anta Group, which aids education for displaced African youth, and LONGi Green Energy, which supports sustainable energy for UNHCR operations [para. 15][para. 16].

Nonetheless, economic opportunities are critical for meaningful recovery. Among the 80 million working-age displaced people worldwide, unemployment remains high due to barriers such as lack of employer awareness about refugee work rights and entrenched prejudices. While 67% of refugees theoretically have legal access to labor markets, only 45% have practical access to jobs [para. 18][para. 19]. Despite the formidable challenges, the UNHCR continues to pursue sustainable solutions, emphasizing that most refugees wish to return home when safe and feasible [para. 20].

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