Cash-strapped UN refugee agency to cut more jobs, even as crises mount
The UN refugee agency is facing a significant funding shortfall, leading to further job cuts and urgent reforms. The agency's head indicated that available funds for 2026 are expected to be 15% lower than the previous year, despite increasing global displacement due to conflict. This financial strain is anticipated to have a severe impact on millions of displaced individuals worldwide.
- ▪The UNHCR expects available funds in 2026 to be just over $3 billion, a 15% decrease from 2025.
- ▪The agency has already announced thousands of job cuts last year due to a 30% drop in funding.
- ▪There are currently 3,000 international staff for only 1,800 positions, leading to contract terminations by the end of September.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Cash-strapped UN refugee agency to cut more jobs, even as crises mountSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 19, 2026, 12:18 AMUpdated May 19, 2026, 12:23 AMListenGENEVA, May 18 - The U.N. refugee agency will need to cut more jobs and make urgent reforms as it faces a fall in funding and foreign aid, the organisation's head said in a letter seen by Reuters.UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih told member states the agency had “no choice” as it expects available funds in 2026 to reach just over $3 billion, about 15% lower than in 2025. The agency already announced thousands of job cuts last year.The shortfall comes as the number of people displaced by war and persecution around the world continues to climb.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.