World · Middle East · 5 hrs ago
UNHCR warns funding shortfall threatens refugee aid as it restructures
UN refugee chief Barham Saleh says the agency cannot meet all its responsibilities with the money available.
The UNHCR has received 35% of the $8.5 billion it requested for 2026, and expects less than $2.7 billion in funding for 2027 for now.
Saleh said aid for 50,000 survivors of the conflict in Sudan is at risk, while registration of tens of thousands of refugees in Ethiopia has been suspended.
Funding cuts have also led nearly 8,000 staff to leave since 2024, reducing the agency’s workforce from almost 20,000 to just under 12,000.
Saleh is seeking earlier, more predictable and flexible funding from donors.
At the same time, the agency is changing its structure at 31 locations to reduce duplication, clarify responsibilities and bring work closer to the people it supports.
The number of directors directly below senior political leaders will be cut from 12 to six.
UNHCR chief Barham Saleh warned that funding shortfalls are putting refugee aid at risk and that efficiency measures cannot make up for a lack of resources.
The agency had received 35 percent of the $8.5 billion it requested for 2026, and expects less than $2.7 billion in funding for 2027.
Aid for 50,000 survivors of the conflict in Sudan is at risk, while registration of tens of thousands of refugees in Ethiopia has been suspended.
Saleh announced a restructuring affecting 31 UNHCR locations, aimed at simplifying structures and bringing the agency closer to the people it helps.
Nearly 8,000 staff have left UNHCR since 2024, reducing its workforce from nearly 20,000 to just under 12,000.
- Who
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Saleh and the UNHCR.
- What
- Saleh warned that funding shortfalls threaten refugee aid and announced a restructuring.
- When
- Monday, at the 77th session of UNHCR’s Executive Committee. The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Geneva, with changes planned at 31 UNHCR locations.
- Why
- UNHCR faces a funding shortfall and is seeking a more agile, sustainable organization.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Efficiency has its limits
There comes a point when greater efficiency can no longer compensate for a lack of resources
But there is a difference between being asked to achieve more with less and being asked to do the impossible
Nearly 8,000 staff have left UNHCR, reducing its workforce from nearly 20,000 to just under 12,000.
Saleh took office and commissioned an independent assessment of how UNHCR operates.
UNHCR reported it had received 35 percent of the $8.5 billion it requested for 2026.
Saleh announced a restructuring at the UNHCR Executive Committee meeting in Geneva.
- 2026 funding received
- 35% of $8.5 billion requested
- Projected 2027 funding
- Less than $2.7 billion
- Aid at risk in Sudan
- 50,000 conflict survivors
- Restructuring
- Changes at 31 UNHCR locations
- Directors
- Reduced from 12 to 6
- Staff departures
- Nearly 8,000 since 2024
Sources
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