United Nations: Funding Cuts Hinder Ability to Assist Sudanese Refugees

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has warned that nearly one-third of last year’s beneficiaries of its aid may lose access to assistance this year.

It noted that severe funding cuts are hindering its ability to provide shelter to more than 60% of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan, while 11.6 million people worldwide are now at risk of losing access to essential aid this year.

The agency stated it can no longer even provide basic shelter for more than 6 out of 10 refugees. Thousands of people remain stranded in remote areas of South Sudan, as the agency lacks the resources to relocate them to safer locations due to funding reductions that have affected critical sectors, including refugee registration, child protection, legal assistance, and responses to gender-based violence.

In a recent report, UNHCR revealed that the funding gap has led to the closure or suspension of programs worth $1.4 billion globally, directly impacting relief efforts in conflict and displacement areas, particularly along the Sudan–Chad border.