UN Warns Millions of Refugees Face Harsh Winter; UNHCR Appeals for $35M in Aid

UN Warns of a Harsh Winter for Millions of Refugees

The United Nations warned on Tuesday that millions of refugees and internally displaced people are facing a brutal winter in the northern hemisphere as colder months arrive and humanitarian funding falls sharply.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, says government contributions have been cut and it aims to raise at least $35 million in public donations to support Syrian, Afghan and Ukrainian refugees through the season.

Our teams are on the ground, determined to protect refugees from the cold — but we are running out of time and resources.

Dominique Hyde, UNHCR's external relations chief, warned that many families will endure freezing temperatures without basic protections such as adequate roofs, insulation, heating, blankets, warm clothing or medicine. The agency said the United States — historically its largest donor — once provided more than 40% of its budget, and that other governments have tightened contributions.

UNHCR warned that cuts could leave approximately 750,000 people without vital winter support. The agency outlined plans to use funds to repair bombed homes, insulate shelters, distribute blankets and warm clothing to children and the elderly, and provide medicines and hot food.

Returning refugees and regional pressures

Large movements of returnees add to needs. UNHCR reports that more than a million Syrians have returned since late last year; many found homes heavily damaged or destroyed after 14 years of conflict. (Note: earlier versions of the report contained an inaccurate reference to an "overthrow" of Syria's president; that phrasing has been corrected to reflect the complex and evolving situation on the ground.)

In Afghanistan, more than 2.2 million people have returned from Pakistan and Iran this year, often with few belongings and limited prospects. Two recent earthquakes have further compounded needs for some families.

In Ukraine, civilians face a fourth winter since the 2022 large-scale invasion. Temperatures in some areas could fall near -20°C, while intensifying attacks continually disrupt gas, electricity and water supplies, increasing vulnerability.

UNHCR emphasized that private donors must step in to fill funding gaps quickly if lives are to be saved and suffering reduced over the coming months.

Contact and action: UNHCR is calling for immediate donations and greater international support to enable emergency repairs, shelter upgrades and distributions of heating supplies and medical aid before the coldest weeks arrive.