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.

Zarif, 6 stands peaks from his grandmother, Herati’s makeshift tent. His father was killed during the clashes between the government and the non-government armed forces

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 crisiswith 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.

Ethiopian families flee

Ethiopia

A full-scale humanitarian crisis is unfolding as thousands of refugees flee ongoing fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray region to seek safety.

Malian refugees in Goudoubo camp carry home new dignity kits, received at a distribution point in the camp. ; There are currently more than 25,000 Malian refugees seeking safety in Burkina Faso, a country which is experiencing massive and rapid forced displacement. With no prospects for return as the conflict continues at home, these refugees are now exposed to rising insecurity in their new host country. Some 6,500 Malians are living in Goudoubo camp, which was attacked by armed groups three times in 2019. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi visited the camp to meet refugees in February 2020.

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.

A refugee boy from Central African Republic shows the groundnuts he will plant in Dosseye refugee camp. Many of the old caseload refugees grow food to make up for the current ration cut. @ UNHCR / C. Fohlen

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 American refugee crisis

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.  

A man and a woman wait to get onto a bus in Libya

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. 

People walking with suitcases

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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