The UN Refugee Agency announced on Friday that nine million people in Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan will require additional assistance to survive the upcoming winter, as it launched an appeal for $50 million in donations—$3 million more than last year’s target. The agency cited rising costs, scarce resources, and worsening conditions in conflict-affected regions as critical challenges.
Winter Aid Needs Across Four Nations
The agency highlighted that millions in the four countries face severe risks from harsh winter conditions, exacerbated by war, displacement, and economic instability. In Ukraine, where the fifth winter of the Russian invasion looms, temperatures are projected to drop below 20°C, compounding damage from ongoing attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers. In Syria, returning refugees face uncertain protection, while Lebanon’s limited funding will cover only half of 300,000 expected winter aid recipients.
Afghanistan’s situation is particularly dire, with four million people returning from Pakistan and Iran between January 2025 and July 2026, many lacking resources to rebuild their lives. The agency also noted that global displacement reached 117.8 million by the end of 2025, slightly below the 2024 record of 123.2 million, despite funding shortfalls forcing staff reductions.
The UN refugee agency on Friday said nine million people would need extra help to get through the coming winter in Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan. Launching a fundraising appeal, the UNHCR said it hoped to raise at least $50 million for winter support — $3 million more… pic.twitter.com/y15SqdBr0l
Funding Gaps Threaten Humanitarian Efforts
The UN Refugee Agency has raised only $3 billion of its $8.5 billion 2026 funding goal by October 9, leaving a shortfall to fund operations for the year. Dominique Haide, the agency’s external relations director, emphasized that “resources are scarce and costs are accelerating” as winter approaches in the northern hemisphere.
Did You Know? Four million Afghans returned to their homeland from Pakistan and Iran between January 2025 and July 2026, many arriving with limited means to restart their lives.
9 million people in Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan & Ukraine need extra help to get through winter, the UN refugee agency says as it launches a fundraising appeal. https://t.co/j0m7ifIVkE pic.twitter.com/r1rDvw9AXo
With global displacement at near-record levels, the agency’s ability to respond depends heavily on donor contributions, which have lagged behind rising needs.
How many people require winter aid?
How many people require winter aid in the four countries?
The UN Refugee Agency identified nine million individuals in Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan who will need additional assistance to survive the winter.
What is the funding gap for the agency’s 2026 programs?
The agency has raised $3 billion of its $8.5 billion target by October 9, leaving a shortfall to fund operations for the year.
What is the current global displacement figure?
By the end of 2025, 117.8 million people were displaced worldwide, slightly below the 2024 record of 123.2 million, according to the agency.
What steps could donors take to address the winter aid shortfall in conflict zones?
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