Minister Hussen announces multi-year funding for United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

News release

November 4, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Forced displacement of individuals has reached record levels worldwide this year, as millions are driven from their homes by escalating conflicts, emerging crises, persecution and the effects of climate change. This has resulted in unprecedented humanitarian needs, requiring global cooperation to help the world’s most vulnerable.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today announced funding of $50.4 million over the next 4 years for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This flexible multi-year funding will help the UNHCR respond to the critical humanitarian and protection needs of refugees and other displaced populations around the world.

The announcement was made during a visit to Ottawa by Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. During the visit, Minister Hussen and High Commissioner Grandi discussed the UNHCR’s response to crises around the world. They also discussed their efforts to strengthen their partnerships and address the root causes of forced displacement. They recommitted to working closely toward lasting solutions for refugees and other displaced people. 

Quotes

“The global refugee population has more than tripled in the past decade: it is one of the biggest global challenges we face today. This multi-year, reliable funding for the UNHCR will provide life-saving assistance and protection services to some of the world’s most vulnerable.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

  • Refugee situations have increased in scope, scale and complexity. For more than 12 years, the number of people remaining forcibly displaced has continued to grow.

  • As of mid-2024, an estimated 122.6 million people worldwide remained forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing the public order. Of those who are displaced, an estimated 72.1 million are internally displaced people and 43.7 million are refugees.

  • In 2023, the UNHCR and its partners responded to the assistance and protection needs of some 19.3 million people worldwide, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Associated links

Contacts

Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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