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

Humanitarian crisis in Yemen

The ongoing civil war in Yemen, which started in 2015, has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis to date: four out of five Yemeni can’t survive without outside aid, and 17 million people are on the brink of starvation.

Emergency in the Sahel

The situation in the Sahel is the fastest growing displacement and protection crisis in the world. Conflict areas continue to expand, overwhelmingly affecting women and children.

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

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

Catastrophic floods in Libya

North-East Libya was hit by Storm Daniel, resulting in the collapse of two dams in the coastal city of Derna.

Emergency

Fri 15/09/2023 - 14:19