Switzerland for UNHCR’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year marked by escalating humanitarian emergencies, historic financial pressure on UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and significant growth in private sector support across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Despite global instability, the foundation achieved its strongest results since its creation in 2020, demonstrating the rising importance of private philanthropy in refugee protection.
“In a world shaped by crises and attacks on international humanitarian law, every franc raised, every partnership forged, and every donor engaged matters more than ever.”
Andrés Luther, President of the Foundation Board
Global Displacement and Humanitarian Challenges
In 2025, 117.3 million forcibly displaced people, including 36.4 million refugees and 67.8 million internally displaced persons, were under UNHCR's mandate of protection to provide life-saving assistance such as shelter, food and water, advocating for the protection of fundamental human rights, and develop sustainable solutions. The agency managed 24 active emergencies in 16 countries, responding simultaneously to protracted crises in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as sudden disasters such as the Myanmar earthquake and forced returns of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan.
Yet, these needs unfold during a severe financial contraction. Cuts in humanitarian aid forced UNHCR to reduce its expenditures from USD 4.93 billion in 2024 to USD 3.95 billion in 2025, eliminating 7,000 staff positions and limiting access to shelter, healthcare, water, and education for millions. As the report notes, “Families see the support they relied on disappear…”
Leadership Transition at UNHCR
The year also marked a major leadership change. Barham Salih, a former refugee, succeeded Filippo Grandi as UN High Commissioner for Refugees after leading the agency for 10 years. Salih emphasized the transformative power of protection and opportunity, stating that these experiences “can change the course of a life”, like it changed his.
Increased generosity from our donors = more impact where it matters
Despite the global funding crisis, Switzerland for UNHCR delivered exceptional results. Supported by CHF 4.8 million in development investment from UNHCR, the Foundation raised CHF 15.4 million in 2025 — a 75% increase over 2024.
Since 2020, the Foundation mobilized CHF 77.5 million in donations, 85.6% of which supported UNHCR operations.
Looking Ahead
With new leadership and a strategic plan aiming to reach CHF 30 million annually by 2030, Switzerland for UNHCR enters 2026 with renewed ambition: to strengthen its efficiency, expand its donor base, and deepen solidarity in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with people forced to flee.
“The global context, between heightened needs and public funding cuts, makes it more important than ever that we consolidate our Foundation to increase mobilization of the private sector in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and to strengthen our efficiency.”
Rémi Vallet, Executive Director of the Foundation