UNHCR to cut 3,500 jobs amid major funding shortfall

UNHCR to cut 3,500 jobs amid major funding shortfall
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The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) announced Monday it will cut approximately 3,500 staff positions due to a significant funding shortfall, reducing global staffing costs by nearly 30%. The agency said it has been forced to scale back operations and close or downsize offices worldwide following a broad review of activities, expenditure, and staffing.

UNHCR has been heavily impacted by a sharp decline in humanitarian aid, especially after the United States — previously its largest donor — slashed contributions under a sweeping foreign aid reduction. Washington once provided over 40% of the agency’s funding, amounting to $2 billion annually.

High Commissioner Filippo Grandi said the agency will now focus on the most impactful programs for refugees while streamlining operations at its Geneva headquarters and regional offices. Senior positions in these locations have been reduced by nearly half, and hundreds of temporary workers have already departed.

Essential services such as financial assistance, healthcare, education, and water and sanitation have already been affected. UNHCR projects its 2025 funding levels will be similar to a decade ago, despite global displacement nearly doubling to over 122 million people. Grandi reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to supporting refugees, even amid reduced resources.