Emergencies
When faced with an emergency, UNHCR thinks and acts quickly. If conflict has forced people to flee their homes or persecution or violence has displaced a community overnight, UNHCR is ready to help.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Gordon Welteres
UNHCR assists with global emergencies in 130 countries — across 500 locations. Our staff are based in some of the most isolated, volatile and challenging places in the world — reaching uprooted people most in need with critical humanitarian assistance and emergency disaster relief.
When an emergency happens, UNHCR teams on the ground assess the most urgent needs and we maintain supplies that can support up to one million people within 72 hours of the onset of an emergency.
In 2023, UNHCR issued 43 emergency declarations in 29 countries – the highest number in decades – and deployed 339 emergency staff. UNHCR responded to multiple crises globally, aiding millions affected by new conflicts, including the conflict in Sudan, climate and natural disaster emergencies such as floods, droughts, earthquakes and more. We also continue providing support in long-standing unresolved crises, including the conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Ukraine.
Learn more in UNHCR’s 2023 Emergency Preparedness and Response Report.
Afghanistan
The crisis in Afghanistan is a cycle of conflict and loss that has lasted more than 40 years. Generations have never known peace. Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes because of intense fighting.
Rohingya Crisis
Over 700,000 Rohingya refugees have been forced to escape violence in Myanmar by fleeing to Bangladesh – walking for days through jungles and mountains or braving dangerous sea voyages.
Yemen
Yemen is currently the world’s worst humanitarian crisis—with 66% of the population in need of humanitarian assistance. Increased violence is resulting in widespread casualties and massive displacement.
Syria
After over a decade of crisis, life is harder than ever for displaced Syrians. Millions of Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety as refugees in Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and beyond, or displaced inside Syria.
Ukraine
The numbers are dramatic. Over seven million people have now fled Ukraine to other countries. A further 15 million people inside Ukraine are predicted to need relief and protection.
Ethiopia
A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding as thousands of refugees flee ongoing fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region to seek safety.
Sahel
The central Sahel region is facing a severe humanitarian and protection crisis. Massive displacement, most of it driven by violence perpetrated by a range of armed actors, is taking place across the region.
Central African Republic
With armed groups controlling parts of the country, over 1 million Central African Republic (CAR) refugees have fled their homes in desperation, seeking safety.
Central America
For those living in the North of Central America (NCA), everyday life unfolds in the shadow of constant fear. Worsening crime and violence, fuelled by drug cartels and gangs, accounts for much of the increase, along with fragile institutions, and increasing inequalities.
Iraq
More than 3 million Iraqis have been displaced from their homes. Those returning to their areas of origin are facing a number of critical protection issues, living in fear and trapped in regions controlled by violent extremists.
Libya
Hundreds of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers, including young children, have traveled to Libya with the aim of eventually reaching Europe. They are trying to find a safe place to call home after fleeing devastating violence, persecution and conflict at home.
South Sudan
Brutal conflict in South Sudan has claimed thousands of lives and driven nearly 4 million people from their homes.
Venezuela
Over 7 million Venezuelans are now seeking protection in neighbouring countries, as families continue to flee their homes due to violence, insecurity, and lack of food, medicine and essential services.
When a crisis strikes, UNHCR is on the ground saving lives within 72 hours.
UNHCR is often the first to arrive and the last to leave in an emergency, supporting those forced to flee their homes through no fault of their own. In the aftermath of a crisis, UNHCR remains on the ground to help revive devastated communities and help displaced families return, recover and restart their lives.
UNHCR is with refugees at every stage of their journey—whenever and wherever needed. We set up refugee camps around the world, providing food aid, shelter and other basic living necessities.
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