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

Crisis in the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world. The coup led by the Seleka rebels in March 2013 to oust the President wreaked havoc, thrusting an already vulnerable population into a state of crisis.

Civil War in South Sudan

The refugee crisis in South Sudan is the largest in Africa, and the third largest in the world after Syria and Afghanistan.

Violence in the DRC

People are fleeing their homes at an alarming rate, while increasing violence is destroying lives and livelihoods throughout the country.

News

Our latest news in relation with the emergencies.

Our latest news

Syria marks 12 years of ongoing conflict

While the Syrian situation has been progressively fading out of the public debate and the media, the country remains the world’s largest displacement crisis with 6,8 million forcibly displaced people throughout the country and over 6,8 million refugees.

Emergency

Wed 15/03/2023 - 15:00

Earthquake aftermath: UNHCR’s support in the Syria-Türkiye region

The death toll continues to rise as casualty reports arrive, surpassing 50,000 to this day. Learn more about UNHCR's impact on the ground.

Emergency

Mon 06/03/2023 - 10:00

Marking one year of war and displacement in Ukraine

One year ago today, people in Ukraine were waking up to the sound of sirens and explosions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sudden war on European territory has since then changed the world as we knew it.

Emergency

Fri 24/02/2023 - 09:01

Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

On 6 February, two powerful earthquakes struck southeast Türkiye and northern Syria. To date, more than 21,000 people have lost their lives in this disaster.

Emergency

Fri 10/02/2023 - 11:00

Om Saker and her children will face extreme temperatures in Iraq this winter

Om Saker’s story is a testimony of the challenges winter imposes on people forced to flee, but also an example of how everyone can make a difference and support families like her brave the cold.

Emergency

Mon 28/11/2022 - 16:55

Millions of displaced people are facing cold every winter

Wherever they are, people forced to flee face an extremely difficult winter season ahead, including displaced Syrians and Iraqis throughout the Middle East, conflict-affected and displaced Afghans; and those forced to flee the war in Ukraine.

Emergency

Fri 11/11/2022 - 13:25

Pakistan: under water and rubble

Torrential rains and floods of unprecedented brutality and magnitude have caused destruction and death across Pakistan.

Emergency

Fri 09/09/2022 - 08:38