Network news
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and an associate member of IMS Luxembourg, recently released an alarming report entitled “On the brink: The devastating toll of aid cuts on people forced to flee”. The report highlights the severe impact of global humanitarian funding reductions on displaced populations.
Striking figures
According to UNHCR estimates, nearly 12 million people could lose access to humanitarian support as early as 2025 due to cuts in aid programmes. The agency has had to scale down its activities and workforce by one-third since the end of 2024, representing a reduction of approximately USD 1.4 billion in essential programmes.
Despite efforts to prioritise life-saving interventions and emergency responses, the funding crisis is having major consequences:
- Financial aid, non-food items, and shelter programmes have been cut by 50%;
- Health programmes have been reduced by 35%;
- Legal counselling services have been cut by 25%.
Immediate human impact
These cuts are directly affecting the lives of people forced to flee their homes, as well as the communities that host them. They are also undermining stability in conflict-affected areas and could lead to further displacement.