UNHCR warns of Ukrainian refugees’ plight as winter approaches
The United Nations on Tuesday warned of a lack of resources, particularly due to a drastic reduction in American funding, to protect millions of refugees and displaced people this winter. He launched a donation appeal to raise at least $35 million.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) pays special attention to the plight of Ukrainians, Syrians and Afghans. In these three countries, “Families have had to endure frigid temperatures without things many of us take for granted: a proper roof, good insulation, heating, blankets, warm clothing or medicine”underlined Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s head of external relations, in a press release.
“The humanitarian budget is on the verge of collapse and the winter aid we provide will be much less this year”warned MI Guide. UNHCR considers assistance from private donors essential to achieve this“help repair bombed houses, insulate houses, provide warmth and blankets to children and the elderly, and finance the purchase of medicine and hot food”he detailed.
Under Donald Trump, the United States, traditionally the world’s largest donor, has drastically reduced its foreign aid. Previously, Washington funded more than 40% of UNHCR’s budget, and other major donor countries have reduced their contributions, placing significant pressure on the agency’s finances.
In Ukraine, temperatures could drop as low as −20°C as society prepares for a fourth winter amid the largest-scale war since Russia’s invasion in 2022. “Humanitarian needs continue to rise, with increasing attacks causing civilian casualties and destroying infrastructure, exacerbating gas, electricity and water outages”UNHCR emphasized.
