United Nations high commissioner for refugees Filippo Grandi has said brutal funding cuts in the humanitarian sector are putting millions of lives at risk.
The consequences for people fleeing danger will be immediate and devastating, he said in a statement on Thursday.
鈥榃e appeal to member States to honour their commitments to displaced people. Now is the time for solidarity, not retreat,鈥� Grandi said while highlighting the impact of global aid cuts on refugees.
鈥楻efugee women and girls at extreme risk of rape and other abuse are already losing access to services that kept them safe,鈥� he said.
Children are being left without teachers or schools, pushing them into child labour, trafficking, or early marriage.
鈥楻efugee communities will have less shelter, water and food. Most refugees stay close to home. Slashing aid will make the world less safe, driving more desperate people to become refugees or keep moving onwards,鈥� said the UN Refugee Agency chief.
The UNHCR has sought innovative and efficient ways to deliver its mission, making the most of every donation for those fleeing danger.
鈥極ver 90 per cent of our staff are on the front lines, delivering for affected communities,鈥� Grandi said.
Together with partners, UNHCR responded to 43 refugee emergencies last year alone.
鈥榃ith less funding, fewer staff and a smaller UNHCR presence in countries hosting refugees, the equation is simple: lives will be lost,鈥� he said.
鈥楾his is not just a funding shortfall 鈥� it is a crisis of responsibility,鈥� Grandi said, adding that the cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures.
鈥極ur commitment to people forced to flee remains unwavering. With continued support, we can identify and assist the most vulnerable, rapidly deploy when new emergencies hit, help stabilise fragile regions and facilitate the safe return home of refugees,鈥� he said.
