Cash-strapped UN refugee agency to cut more jobs, even as crises mount

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. The agency works with people forced from their homes in Ukraine, Sudan and other conflict-hit countries.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that our projected financial situation for this year requires us to take some urgent steps,” Salih said in the letter dated May 15.