UN to review global refugee strategy amid funding cuts

The United Nations will review its global refugee policies next week amid rising armed conflicts, the politicisation of asylum laws and sharp cuts to international aid.

Governments, civil society groups, the private sector and academics will assess progress and propose new solutions at a Global Refugee Forum Review meeting scheduled from Monday to Wednesday. Donor pledges are also expected as the UN refugee agency faces a deepening financial crisis.

The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching 117.3 million, while funding for humanitarian aid has declined. The situation worsened after major donor countries reduced contributions, forcing the UN refugee agency to cut nearly 5,000 jobs—more than a quarter of its workforce.

“Now is not the moment to step back. It is the moment to reinforce partnerships and send a clear message to refugees and host countries that they are not alone,” said Nicolas Brass, head of the global compact on refugees section.

Displacement rose further in 2024 to a record 123.2 million people, including refugees, internally displaced persons and asylum-seekers. More than one-third originated from Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Despite financial pressures, progress has been made. Since 2019, ten countries have adopted new labour laws allowing refugees to work, benefiting more than 500,000 people, while several states have strengthened asylum systems.

However, the UN refugee agency has warned that declining funding places these gains at serious risk. It also noted that countries with just 27 percent of global wealth are hosting 80 percent of the world’s refugees, with many displaced people living in regions highly vulnerable to climate change.

Discussions among more than 1,800 delegates and 200 refugees will focus on innovative financing, inclusion, safe migration pathways, transforming refugee camps into humane settlements, and long-term solutions. Special sessions will address major displacement crises, including those in Syria, Sudan and among Rohingya refugees.