Emergencies are on the rise displacing more people than ever before.
In recent years, successive crises in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Sudan, to name only the most prominent, mean there are now more displaced people worldwide than ever before - over 110 million. In 2022, UNHCR responded to 35 new emergencies in 25 countries, as well as responding to the needs of people forced to flee in under-reported crises around the world. However, global needs are escalating at an unprecedented pace, putting growing pressure on UNHCR’s resources.
In the last ten years the number of displaced people has more than doubled. Without the flexible income that the Emergency Fund can provide, UNHCR’s ability to respond quickly and effectively could be compromised. The cost could be counted in human lives. By supporting our emergency fund, you are giving UNHCR's emergency teams the ability to continue to provide people driven from their homes with shelter, safety and protection. You are helping to ensure our emergency response teams are ready to spring into action and save refugees' lives the next time a crisis strikes.
Readiness: Your donations will ensure UNHCR’s early warning systems can identify potential humanitarian crises. Your gift will also make sure expert staff are fully trained to respond to local challenges, and that stocks of humanitarian supplies in UNHCR’s seven global warehouses are maintained and can be shipped anywhere in the world within 72 hours.
Response: When they flee in fear of their lives, people are often terrified, disoriented, hungry and exhausted. Many have to leave behind all their possessions and arrive under UNHCR’s protection with nothing but the clothes on their back. Your support can ensure UNHCR provides displaced people with the lifesaving shelter and essentials they couldn’t bring with them, such as bedding, warm clothes and hygiene kits.
Recovery: Through the Emergency Fund, you can help UNHCR stay and deliver for refugees and displaced people, particularly those affected by under-reported crises in places like Yemen, Iraq and Ethiopia, where a lack of media attention can lead to dangerous levels of underfunding for humanitarian assistance. Your support could mean traumatised children have access to psychological support. It could mean specialist services for disabled people, or cash assistance so a widowed mother can feed and clothe her children.
