The UN refugee agency (UNHCR)announcedon Monday that it is cutting global staffing costs by around 30 per cent, following a comprehensive review of its activities, spending, staffing and structure, prompted by major funding shortfalls.
Facing the most severe funding shortfall in the history of humanitarian aid, UN relief chief Tom Fletcher on Monday announced a hyper-prioritisedappealfor $29 billion to meet urgent global needs.
The UN is facing a deepening budget crisis that threatens lifesaving operations worldwide. From refugee aid in Mozambique to maternal health services in Afghanistan, critical programmes are on the brink of collapse unless urgent funding is secured.
This will entail cutting just under half of all senior positions at the agencys Geneva headquarters and regional bureaux.
Around 3,500 permanent staff posts have been discontinued, hundreds of temporary staff positions have been terminated, and some offices have been downsized or closed worldwide.
According to the report, decisions on where to cut costs were guided by the priority to maintain operations in regions with the most urgent refugee needs.
Financial realities
The announcement follows awarningin March fromUNHCRthat severe funding cuts were putting millions of refugee lives at risk, with immediate and devastating consequences.
The agency anticipates it will end the year with available funding at roughly the same level as a decade ago despite the number of refugees forced to flee having nearly doubled in that time toover 122 million.
In light of difficult financial realities,UNHCR is compelled to reduce the overall scale of its operations, said Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.We will focus our efforts on activities that have the greatest impact for refugees, supported by streamlined headquarters and regional bureau structures.
Unshakeable commitment to refugees
Despite the prioritisation of refugee needs, key programmes including financial assistance to vulnerable families, health, education, and water and sanitation have been significantly impacted.
In response, UNHCR is coordinating with UN partners, aid groups and host countries to mitigate the impact on those who rely on its support by streamlining operations, exploring new models and utilising technology to enhance efficiency.
Even as we face painful cuts and lose so many dedicated colleagues, our commitment to refugees remains unshakeable, said Mr. Grandi.
Although resources are scarcer and our capacity to deliver is reduced, we will continue to work hard to respond to emergencies, protect the rights of refugees and pursue solutions.
