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INTRODUCTION
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a series of compounding crises that are severely impacting its populations. The far-reaching socioeconomic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic is being further exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine, leading to a significant increase in poverty and heightened reliance on humanitarian aid among vulnerable displaced and host communities.
In 2023 to date, two new emergencies have intensified existing hardships. Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria severely affected both countries; a record 15.3 million Syrians, including 6.8 million internally displaced, urgently require humanitarian assistance and protection inside Syria, in addition to more than 1.8 million Syrian refugees in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Sudan that started in midApril has resulted in a substantial influx into Egypt, straining Egypt’s resources and infrastructure. Furthermore, refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants in Tunisia are being relocated from urban centres, with hundreds stranded in dire conditions following their removal to remote and desolate areas near the country’s borders, or pushed across the borders with Libya and Algeria.
In protracted situations like Jordan and Lebanon, the impact of the Syria crisis and recent socio-economic challenges have been devastating. In Lebanon, 90% of Syrian refugees now find themselves living in conditions of extreme poverty. Food prices have surged by 332% since June 2021, pushing 94% of refugee households to incur debt just to meet their essential needs. In Jordan, two-thirds of refugees have reported that their financial situation has worsened in the last 12 months and recent analysis conducted by UNHCR suggests that household debt can be as high as JOD 1,250 (USD 1,766). In Iraq, relative stability has created a unique opportunity for displaced Iraqis, returnees, and refugees to be more included in public services and social protection schemes provided by the Government.
Nevertheless, years of conflict have reduced the capacity and resilience of national institutions, making the country susceptible to internal and external shocks.
Despite the generosity of donors, UNHCR operations in the Middle East and North Africa continue to face significant funding gaps. Already operating with $110 million less in the region than in 2022, UNHCR is currently confronting additional needs amidst funding shortfalls. These funding gaps put vulnerable populations at risk, hindering their access to vital assistance and services essential for their survival.
This document presents an overview of the most critical funding gaps in the region and the potential consequences for vulnerable populations if additional funds are not secured in 2023. The UNHCR activities outlined here are part of the comprehensive needs presented in the Global Appeal and can be implemented by the end of 2023 with additional funding support.