Governments around the world have pledged US$1.13 billion to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2023, a record high, exceeding US$1.054 billion pledged for 2022. Nevertheless, the pledged funds account for less than 15% of the finance the agency needs to help displaced and stateless people whose numbers are expected to grow significantly in 2023.
In order to assist 117.2 million displaced and stateless people in 134 countries and territories, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) needs US$10.211 billion, according to the newly published Global Appeal that provides information about UNHCR’s plans for 2023. To support the Agency’s work in 2023, governments have vowed to dedicate US$1.13 billion which means that, together with the US$400 million commitments from UNHCR’s private sector National Partners, the Agency will receive US$1.53 billion overall or 15% of the forecasted needs for next year.
It is the first time that the UNHCR’s estimated needs have exceeded US$10 billion at the start of a year. In comparison, in 2022 the Agency sought US$8.994 billion and US$8.616 billion in 2021.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, explained the reason for this amount was “the record number of displaced people around the world” caused by conflicts, climate emergency, and other crises. Commenting on the Global Appeal, UNHCR Principal Adviser on Internal Displacement, Sumbul Rizvi noted,
“If funding is not forthcoming, especially both on the humanitarian and the solutions development side, it will be a tragic loss of opportunity.”
The number of displaced and stateless people in 2022 increased significantly, mainly due to unprecedented events and the war in Ukraine. This number, however, is forecast to further escalate in 2023. Of 117.2 million predicted displaced and stateless people next year, 52% or 61.2 million will be internally displaced (IDPs) while the number of refugees in 2023 is projected to be 29.3 million, or 25% of the total.
Fig.1.Number of displaced and stateless people, 2015 – 2023
Source: UNHCR’s Global Appeal 2023
UNHCR forecasts that of 117.2 million displaced and stateless people 22% will be in Europe, 18% in the Americas, 18% in the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, 14% in the Middle East and North Africa, 11% in West and Central Africa, and 9% each in Southern Africa and Asia and the Pacific. In Europe, the percentage of refugees is expected to be 52%, in Asia and the Pacific 36%, in the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, 22%, in the Middle East and North Africa, 15%, in West and Central Africa, 13%, in Southern Africa 8%, and in the Americas 4%.
Fig.2. Forcibly displaced and stateless populations. 2023 planning figures
Source: UNHCR’s Global Appeal 2023
UNHCR defines the category of displaced and stateless people under four headings known as impact areas. These four headings define how displaced individuals are protected, assisted and empowered, and how their situation is being solved. For 2023, the Agency states that it needs US$2.429 billion to protect, or in other words, attain favorable protection environments for forcibly displaced people. This amount has increased by 19% compared to 2022. To respond, or realize rights in safe environments, the Agency needs US$4.815 billion, 15% less than in 2022. To empower communities and achieve gender equality the Agency needs US$1.339 billion, 2% less than in 2022. And finally, to find sustainable solutions for displaced and stateless individuals’ needs, UNHCR needs US$1.131 billion, 9% more than in 2022.
Fig.3. Impact areas, 2023
Protect
Respond
Empower
Solve
Source: UNHCR’s Global Appeal 2023
