UNHCR Cuts Budget and 3,500 Jobs as Forced Displacement Continues to Rise

UNHCR announced a reduction in its operating budget and a plan to eliminate 3,500 positions, representing a major staffing cut across its global operations, as the agency confronts tightening donor funding and seeks to maintain core refugee assistance programs.

UN Security Council held a live briefing describing a “rising tide of forced displacement,” noting that the number of people uprooted worldwide continues to grow, with crises in Sudan, the Middle East, and other regions driving unprecedented humanitarian needs.

Humanitarian groups warn that the simultaneous budget cut and expanding displacement could strain service delivery, urging donor nations to increase contributions to ensure that essential protection, shelter, and health aid for refugees and asylum seekers are not compromised.

UNHCR spokesperson emphasized that despite the cuts, the agency will prioritize emergency response in high‑risk zones and continue coordination with UN partners, while monitoring the impact of reduced staff on field operations and reporting regularly to the Security Council.