Emergencies

When violence breaks out and disaster strikes, donor support allows UNHCR to move directly into action.

UNHCR is often the first and last responder when refugee crises break out. With the capacity to have staff and equipment on the ground within 72 hours, we not only respond to urgent needs, but also protect the rights of refugees while working to provide them with a better future.

Learn more about UNHCR's emergency response

Winter Emergency

This Winter, harsh temperatures affect millions of vulnerable people across the Middle East, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Crisis in Sudan

Since the start of the conflict in Sudan on 15 April 2023, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes.

The Syrian crisis

After 12 years of crisis, Syrians are still struggling to survive. More than half of the country’s population has fled since the beginning of the conflict.

Ukraine Emergency

In Ukraine, the crisis has forced over 10 million people to flee their homes.

Horn of Africa emergency

The Horn of Africa region is experiencing the worst drought in over 40 years. Cattle are dehydrated and dying, crops are failing, leaving thousands of people with no choice but to flee their homes.

Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

More than four decades of conflict have displaced millions of Afghans. Today, the situation has reached a new critical point. UNHCR is on the ground to provide life-saving assistance to the internally displaced, and to refugees in neighbouring countries.

The Rohingya Crisis

The Rohingya crisis is one of the largest and most urgent crises of our time. The women, men and children who belong to this minority group have long been denied their rights and are regularly persecuted.

Crisis in the Mediterranean

For refugees and migrants, travelling between Africa and Europe remains one of the deadliest journeys in the world. Thousands of people die and the people who survive experience severe trauma.

The Venezuela crisis

The political, social and economic crisis Venezuela is currently going through has brought about violence, insecurity and the deterioration of basic human rights. Shortages in food, medicine and essential services are making matters worse.

News

Our latest news in relation with the emergencies.

Our latest news

“Civilians did not start this war, yet they pay the price for it.”

The fighting in Sudan has been going on for more than a year now. More and more atrocities are coming to light and the civilian population is suffering. 9 million people have already had to leave their homes in the East African country and seek refuge in

Echos from the field

Mon 01/07/2024 - 08:02

One year of conflict in Sudan: "It's heartbreaking to see these people"

The conflict in Sudan began a year ago. The UNHCR regional director in charge describes the situation as heartbreaking.

UNHCR

Fri 12/04/2024 - 11:46

Ongoing violence in DR Congo: almost 2 million refugees expected this year

Fighting continues in the DR Congo, UNHCR expects almost 2 million refugees this year and therefore needs almost USD 670 million.

Emergency

Tue 05/03/2024 - 15:13

Two years of war in Ukraine: "I survived and will live on!"

86-year-old Anton Petrovich was injured in the war in Ukraine. Despite this, he returned to his destroyed home and is building a new life there. He and the other victims need help.

Emergency

Sat 24/02/2024 - 10:30

We are looking for millionaires: 114 millions forced to flee worldwide need help urgently

We are looking for a millionaire to be able to help 114 millions refugees around the world.

UNHCR

Fri 24/11/2023 - 09:57

Earthquake in Afghanistan: Hundreds of thousands of survivors urgently need help

Western Afghanistan has been shaken by several earthquakes. The survivors urgently need help.

UNHCR

Thu 19/10/2023 - 14:49

Armenia Emergency: Rising numbers of refugees require urgent action

After the decades-old situation in Karabakh flared up again last week, the number of people fleeing to Armenia is on the rise. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, expresses deep concern about this development and classifies the situation as an emergency.

Emergency

Mon 02/10/2023 - 09:19