Brussels: Millions of refugees and internally displaced people face the risk of losing essential protection and humanitarian assistance as severe funding shortages force the United Nations refugee agency to reduce its operations worldwide. More than eight million people are at risk of losing vital support, including registration services and protection programmes for vulnerable groups.
Sophie Magennis, Head of the Policy and Legal Support Unit at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Representation for EU Affairs in Brussels, has warned that the financial crisis is limiting the agency’s ability to respond to the needs of people forced to flee their homes.
UNHCR experienced a 24 per cent reduction in its finances last year, Magennis said. Although the agency has secured around $3 billion for its programmes this year, the amount covers only 35 per cent of the resources required to meet the needs identified through its humanitarian operations.
The funding shortage is affecting not only refugees and displaced people but also the countries that provide them with shelter and protection. Many of these host countries have limited financial resources and are already struggling to meet the needs of their own populations.
Magennis explained that the loss of international support creates additional pressure on these countries, which depend partly on assistance from UNHCR to maintain services for people fleeing conflict and persecution.
The financial crisis is also threatening programmes designed to protect children and support survivors of gender based violence. A 26 page UNHCR report has outlined the potential consequences of the cuts, including reduced access to refugee registration, documentation and other essential protection services.
The report warns that the humanitarian system could reach a point where reduced funding no longer simply limits its activities but prevents it from functioning effectively.
Among the most urgent concerns is the situation in Chad, where refugees continue to arrive after escaping serious and ongoing violence in neighbouring Sudan. According to Magennis, around 300,000 refugees in Chad are waiting to be registered.
Without adequate funding and staff resources, UNHCR may struggle to complete their registration. This could leave people who have already lost their homes without the official documents they need to establish their status and access protection.
Registration is an important part of the process because it provides refugees with documentation confirming their need for protection. Such documents can help reduce their exposure to risks, including detention and other forms of harm.
For people who have fled conflict, the absence of official papers can create further difficulties as they attempt to access assistance and establish their circumstances in their host countries.
The situation in Chad illustrates how funding shortages can affect people beyond the immediate loss of food, shelter or other forms of humanitarian aid. Administrative services, including registration and documentation, are also essential to ensuring that refugees receive appropriate protection.
The financial pressure on UNHCR has therefore raised concerns about the wider consequences for displaced populations and the countries hosting them. With only a fraction of its identified funding needs covered, the agency faces growing challenges in maintaining services for people who depend on international humanitarian support.
Magennis stressed that assistance is necessary both to protect refugees and displaced people directly and to help host countries continue providing shelter and protection.
The funding gap leaves millions of vulnerable people facing uncertainty over access to services that are essential to their safety and security. For refugees arriving in countries such as Chad, the ability to register and obtain official documentation can be a crucial first step towards receiving the protection they need.