As winter approaches across several regions, millions of refugees and internally displaced people are bracing for harsh conditions with sharply reduced humanitarian assistance, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). With global humanitarian funding in decline, many displaced families will face freezing temperatures without adequate shelter, heating, or warm clothing. Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director of External Relations, warned that humanitarian budgets are “stretched to breaking point,” leaving families in dire need of basic winter protection.
To address these growing needs, UNHCR has launched its global winter fundraising campaign, one of its most significant annual efforts. The agency aims to raise at least $35 million to help displaced families repair war-damaged homes, insulate shelters, and provide essential supplies such as blankets, warm clothes, and medicines. However, with governments cutting aid, UNHCR is urging individuals and private donors to contribute to filling the gap and prevent further suffering as temperatures drop.
In the Middle East, the situation remains critical. Despite more than one million Syrians returning home since the fall of the Assad regime, many have found their houses destroyed and lack the resources to rebuild. Funding cuts could leave around 750,000 people without vital winter support such as bedding, kitchen sets, and clothing. Hyde noted that displaced Syrians and refugees in Jordan remain hopeful yet face severe challenges with limited means to endure the cold season.
Afghanistan faces a similar humanitarian emergency, with sub-zero temperatures already endangering lives. The country continues to grapple with deep poverty, unemployment, and fragile public services after decades of conflict. Over 2.2 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran this year alone, often without possessions or support, while recent earthquakes have worsened their vulnerability to winter conditions.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, this marks the fourth winter of full-scale war. Intensified attacks continue to destroy homes and infrastructure, disrupting electricity, gas, and water supplies for millions. Temperatures could drop to -20°C, posing life-threatening risks for families already enduring years of conflict and displacement.
Hyde emphasized that as temperatures fall across the northern hemisphere, so too does funding for humanitarian aid. She urged the international community not to let displaced families face the cold alone, noting that UNHCR teams remain on the ground working tirelessly despite dwindling resources. The agency highlighted that even small donations can make a tangible impact — from providing heating devices and thermal kits to offering medical care and warm clothing for vulnerable families worldwide.
