This is an email series highlighting the risks that refugees and internally displaced people are facing as a result of recent funding cuts

Dear John,

This is the first in a series of emails to explain what happens when humanitarian funding is cut, what it means for UNHCR’s ability to respond, and most importantly, what it means for refugees and displaced people who depend on us.

Today, the world faces a humanitarian crisis unlike any we have seen before. Severe funding cuts to life-saving humanitarian aid are putting lives at risk, forcing families to survive without food, clean water, and medical care.

At the same time, a powerful earthquake has struck Asia, creating yet another humanitarian emergency and placing even more pressure on already stretched resources. In moments like these, when new crises emerge and funding disappears, refugees are often the first to suffer. This is when we need you the most.

Our High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, made it clear:

"This is not just a funding shortfall. The cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability, and lost futures."

Behind these staggering numbers are real lives. Families, children, women, and men are facing unimaginable hardship. In the past month alone, we’ve already seen some of the cost.

• Refugee women and girls, already living in vulnerable situations, are losing essential protection services, leaving them exposed to increased violence, abuse, and trafficking.
• Children are forced out of classrooms and into child labour or early marriages.
• Families struggle daily without clean water, adequate food, and proper shelter. 

We can’t let refugees pay the price. UNHCR teams are doing everything possible to protect lives, deliver urgently needed aid, and support refugees as they rebuild their futures. Without immediate funding, however, critical aid will decline sharply, placing countless lives in greater risk. Unfortunately, when it comes to aid, time really matters. 

Every moment counts, and every contribution helps restore essential support and hope. The cost of delay is too high, and the need has never been greater.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Monia Hassan
International Supporter Care
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency