The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) assisted 7,502,200 people in 2025 across its global operations, despite an increasingly challenging operating environment for humanitarian actors. Of those reached, 59% were displaced people, including refugees and internally displaced persons, while 32% were members of host communities and 9% were people at risk of displacement, according to a press release by the Danish Refugee Council. The figures were published in the organization’s Annual Report 2025. The report documents continued emergency operations across 28 countries. It also outlines difficult organizational decisions taken during the year.
The year was marked by growing humanitarian needs alongside shrinking resources for the sector. Major reductions in humanitarian funding affected operations worldwide, including cuts from the U.S. government, which previously accounted for approximately 20% of DRC’s overall funding. As a result, DRC closed operations in six countries and reduced its global workforce during 2025. The organization nonetheless maintained its presence in 28 countries. It also engaged 204 local and national partners across its operations.
Among the key achievements highlighted, 3,717,900 people were assisted through emergency responses and 1.7 million people through site and camp management programs. DRC cleared 14 million square meters of land of explosive ordnance, equivalent to approximately 2,000 football pitches. A further 3,784,200 people were supported through initiatives promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship, while 1,305,000 people were protected from violence, coercion, and deliberate deprivation. Cash assistance reached 798,900 people. Shelter, infrastructure, water, and sanitation services reached 1,628,499 people.
The report details DRC’s work in some of the world’s most severe crises. In Sudan, the organization expanded emergency responses as conflict intensified, providing cash assistance, protection services, and access to basic needs. In Afghanistan, following a major earthquake, DRC supported affected communities with earthquake-resistant housing, livelihood support, and legal assistance. In Gaza, DRC scaled up partner-led site management for displaced families in an extremely constrained operational environment. “Despite these profound changes and challenges, DRC continued to provide emergency humanitarian assistance and protection in the world’s worst humanitarian crises, while supporting durable and sustainable solutions for displaced families and communities,” wrote Carsten Stendevad, DRC Chair, and Charlotte Slente, DRC Secretary General.
In Denmark, DRC continued to provide support to refugees and asylum seekers throughout 2025. A total of 8,800 people received legal aid and asylum counselling, while 4,350 volunteers contributed to the organization’s work. Among those reached, 76% reported being fully satisfied with the support received, and 72% said their views were taken into account. DRC extended its gratitude to partners, donors, volunteers, and staff for their trust and dedication. Full details are available in DRC’s 2025 Annual Report.
