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Venezuela Earthquakes - Emergency Update #5, 11 August - 15 September 2026

Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. As Venezuela moves from emergency relief to recovery, thousands of earthquake-affected families still need documentation, protection services and safe accommodation to rebuild their lives. Through UNHCR-supported protection activities, 7,200 people were reached with critical assistance and services. Across the response, more than 10,038 protection and support services were delivered, including legal assistance, counselling, psychosocial support, case management and referrals for individuals with specific protection needs. To help families meet their most urgent needs, 3,356 people received household and relief items. In addition, 1,456 referrals and 320 case management interventions were completed, ensuring that individuals requiring specialized support could access appropriate services and protection pathways. Efforts to improve safety and living conditions also continued. A total of 1,170 solar lamps and reflectors were distributed and installed in temporary accommodation sites and community spaces.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Norway Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Norway, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. International refugee protection: Norway has a strong national asylum and integration system and has made commendable contributions to international refugee protection globally. Contributor of funding: Norway is one of UNHCR’s major donors with a significant proportion of unearmarked funding. Norways contribution to UNHCR in 2025 amounted to $129 million. Security of stay and residence: UNHCR advocates for Norway to fully align the procedures and standards regarding loss of refugee protection with the 1951 Refugee Convention. HIGHLIGHTS Resettlement programme Over the past years, Norway has reduced its resettlement quota. The quota was reduced from 1,000 to 500 people in 2025, and further reduced to 100 in 2026. Ukraine Situation Norway has declared 14 areas in Ukraine as safe, and channels Ukrainians from these areas to individual refugee status determination, where the majority of applicants have been rejected. To date, over 4,000 Ukrainians have returned to Ukraine with Norwegian repatriation support. Processing of Syrians In December 2025, Norway lifted the suspension on asylum processing for Syrians, in place since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Plan for Norway 2025-2029 Following parliamentary elections in September 2025, the government presented its Plan for Norway 2025-2029. The plan outlines five priority areas and 25 projects under a security-focused framework, including controlled immigration aligned with integration capacity.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Moldova Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Moldova, Bangladesh, Syrian Arab Republic, Türkiye, Ukraine Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Moldova continues to host one of Europe’s most vulnerable Ukrainian refugee populations, with one-third unable to afford essentials and over 80 per cent of households headed by women, older persons, or caregivers with limited earning capacity. While inclusion efforts advance, Moldova’s absorption capacity is stretched, underscoring the need for sustained international support to help bridge humanitarian needs with longer‑term, government-led solutions. UNHCR partners with the Government to reinforce an efficient, fair asylum system and expand pathways to longer-term solutions, including a secure legal status for Ukrainian refugees to enable their inclusion. HIGHLIGHTS Towards a more sustainable Refugee Response In 2025, UNHCR advanced transition towards a more sustainable refugee response by strengthening national and local leadership, and building strategic partnerships. Working closely with government institutions, UN agencies, civil society, and refugee‑led groups, UNHCR helped align the refugee response with national priorities. Local coordination mechanisms were reinforced, national and grass-root organization received targeted capacity support, and community‑level engagement expanded — including active refugee participation—ensuring continued access to protection and essential services even amid reduced funding. The expansion of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Chair to six universities, supporting research and community outreach, further anchored an evidence-based approach and fosters a more resilient response architecture that benefits both refugees and host communities over the long term

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Kingdom of the Netherlands Fact Sheet - February 2026

Countries: Netherlands, Eritrea, Syrian Arab Republic, Türkiye, Ukraine, World, Yemen Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. In August 2025, NSC pulled out of the government coalition, a few months after PVV withdrew in June of the same year. NSC cited differences in the approach to Israel, while PVV cited concerns that the proposed asylum policies were not sufficiently stringent. In October national elections were held, resulting in a win for the central liberalists (D66), with the right wing PVV a close second. Coalition formations started the last months of the year, gearing towards a minority coalition which was sworn in early 2026. Draft Asylum Emergency measures act with the addendum that aiding people that are undocumented would not be penalized was approved by parliament in December. If adopted, will strongly impact the protection environment. The Act would impact the stability of protection status and access to family reunification. Highlights 75th Anniversary of UNHCR In December, UNHCR marked its 75th anniversary amid record global displacement and growing financial and political pressures. UNHCR Netherlands engaged national media to highlight the organization’s continued role in protection and humanitarian response, underscoring the need for sustained support and international commitment to people forced to flee.Vn-vluchtelingenorganisatie-unhcr-bestaat-75-jaar Sudan Remember Us UNHCR Netherlands co-hosted a screening of Sudan, Remember Us with IDFA, highlighting the ongoing crisis that has displaced 11.8 million Sudanese people. A panel discussion underscored urgent protection needs and regional impacts. The event amplified Sudanese voices and reaffirmed the importance of sustained international attention to the humanitarian emergency.

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UNHCR Poland Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Poland, Belarus, Russian Federation, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Over one million refugees from Ukraine are currently present in Poland, the majority women and children. This represents some 2.5 per cent of the total population of Poland. UNHCR coordinates the response of 58 organizations in Poland under the Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP), the majority of which are local and refugee-led organizations. UNHCR works with the Government of Poland to ensure refugees have access to territory, legal status, documentation and enjoy their rights. HIGHLIGHTS UNHCR Engagement on Amendments to the Act Phasing Out the Special Actt on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens In January 2026, the Polish Parliament adopted the so-called Phasing Out Act, which terminates the special assistance regime for Ukrainian refugees and provides for a transition to temporary protection under existing legislation as of March 2026. Throughout the legislative process, UNHCR actively engaged through legal comments and targeted advocacy, raising concerns regarding compliance with EU law. UNHCR issued recommendations addressing the proposed restriction of access to protection, access to accommodation support, documentation requirements and the removal of provisions safeguarding family reunification. Following consultations, the bill was amended to retain family reunification provisions. Supporting Refugee Employment: UNHCR and Japan’s MOFA Host Job Fair UNHCR, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, organised a Japanese Job Expo in Warsaw to support investment in refugee human capital and self-reliance. Held on 28 November, the event connected Japanese employers with Ukrainian jobseekers, supporting skills matching, labour market inclusion and pathways towards a more stable future.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept
  • neutral toward UNHCR · 98%

UNHCR - South Sudan - Akobo Update as of 21 August 2026

Country: South Sudan Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. ANALYSIS & TRENDS Conflicts across Jonglei and Upper Nile have internally displaced more than 323,000 people since 2025. The latest escalation in Akobo has led to large-scale population movements, with more than 100,000 people fleeing from Akobo and surrounding areas into Ethiopia. As security conditions have improved in some areas, returns have gradually increased. By 1 July, IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) had recorded more than 61,000 returnees in Akobo County. However, ongoing insecurity, seasonal flooding, and the limited availability of basic services mean that many families are returning to highly precarious conditions. Akobo remains a critical humanitarian hub and a key cross-border corridor between South Sudan and Ethiopia, making developments in the area highly consequential for both internal displacement and regional population movements. Separately, in July UNHCR and its partners observed, 8,292 individuals arriving in South Sudan through the Akobo Boat Dock and Dibole entry points from the Tiekidi, Kule, Nguenyiel and Jewi refugee camps in Ethiopia. This represents a 10 per cent decrease from the 9,250 arrivals recorded in June. Children accounted for 60 per cent of arrivals, while 70 per cent of returning households were female-headed and 5 per cent of returnees were aged 60 or above. Many families are returning with few belongings and are rebuilding their lives in areas where services, shelter and livelihood opportunities remain extremely limited. Improved security and family reunification are encouraging returns. However, returnees also cited reduced humanitarian assistance and limited access to food, healthcare, education, water and sanitation in Ethiopia as factors motivating their return. The journey remains difficult. With heavy rains rendering many roads impassable, the Matar–Akobo boat route is often the only viable option, while the high cost and limited availability of commercial boats have slowed arrivals. Families report journeys of up to seven days from Gambella, sometimes waiting for days for transport without adequate food, shelter or basic services.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept
  • neutral toward UNHCR · 98%

UNHCR Switzerland Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Switzerland, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Close to 25,800 asylum applications were registered in Switzerland in 2025, down from 27,700 in 2024. UNHCR is engaged in the development of a new Asylum Strategy 2027. UNHCR works with authorities and NGOs to further strengthen the quality of the asylum system and the socio-economic inclusion of refugees. Switzerland remains a strong supporter of UNHCR, both as host of UNHCR’s headquarters and a top donor, providing flexible and predictable multi-year funding.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept
  • neutral toward UNHCR · 98%

UNHCR Lithuania Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Lithuania, Belarus, Russian Federation, Somalia, Ukraine Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Refugees from Ukraine: Lithuania generously hosts 52,500 refugees from Ukraine on temporary protection. Temporary protection in Lithuania is extended untill 4 March 2027. Refugee Response Plan (RRP): Lithuania is included in the Ukraine RRP for 2025-2026. Partners have reached above 27,000 refugees with assistance and support in Lithuania in 2025. Refugees from Belarus: Lithuanian authorities and NGOs provide assistance and support to refugees and persons released from prison in Belarus. HIGHLIGHTS EU Solidarity The Government has opted for a mixed approach in Lithuania to the EU’s solidarity mechanism. Lithuania will accept half of the asylum-seekers allocated to it by the EU and will pay a financial contribution for the remainder, starting in June 2026. Fair asylum procedures UNHCR conducted training on asylum interviews for asylum and registration officers of the Migration Department. Training included all stages of the process, from planning and preparing, engagement and rapport, managing biases and how memory works to obtaining a free account and challenging information respectfully, as well as working with interpreters and conducting remote interviews.

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UNHCR Albania Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Albania, Serbia, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. UNHCR advocates for a strengthened national asylum system and refugee inclusion in line with the Strategy for UNHCR Engagement in Mixed Movements in the Western Balkans. UNHCR supports the government on further align its asylum legal framework and implementation with international and EU law. UNHCR advocates for improving access to protection and inclusion opportunities. UNHCR’s work on strengthening asylum system and inclusion remains a priority under the EU-funded EU4Migration project in Albania and IPAIII Regional Programme. HIGHLIGHTS Access to territory and asylum UNHCR continues to advocate for access to territory and asylum. This includes identification and referral of people with specific needs, which remains a priority in the context of the ongoing mixed movement in the Western Balkans. Based on UNHCR and partner protection monitoring data, from 1 January - 31 December 2025, 778 people arriving as part of mixed movements were intercepted by border guards at Albania’s borders. Of this number, 13 per cent were referred to the asylum procedure. First instance decisions on asylum claims From 1 January - 31 December 2025, 20 first instance decisions on asylum claims were issued, granting subsidiary protection to nationals of the Syrian Arab Republic, Afghanistan and Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Türkiye; seven (7) decisions granting refugee status were issued to nationals of State of Palestine and China.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Bosnia and Herzegovina Fact Sheet - February 2026

Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic, Türkiye, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. UNHCR's engagement in BiH focuses on protecting the rights of forcibly displaced and stateless people, and empowering them to build a better future. UNHCR prioritizes sustainable responses by working with government institutions and partners to identify durable solutions and foster long-term impact for asylum-seekers and refugees. As UNHCR’s operational footprint in BiH gradually reduces, its focus shifts to strengthening the efficiency of the asylum system, alongside intensified advocacy efforts. HIGHLIGHTS Protection monitoring shows persisting high international protection needs In 2025, UNHCR and partners in BiH interviewed 430 people under regional protection monitoring: 71 per cent reported leaving their country due to generalized violence and insecurity, threats to their life, or discrimination. In this context, UNHCR and its partner Vaša prava BiH provide legal counselling on asylum and international protection in BiH. Strengthening legal capacities UNHCR and partners continued enhancing the capacities of legal practitioners and future lawyers in BiH. In January 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UNHCR, Vaša prava BiH, and three public free legal aid offices, to strengthen coordination in providing legal aid to forcibly displaced and stateless people.

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UNHCR Montenegro Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Montenegro, Cuba, Russian Federation, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Since March 2022, Montenegro has granted temporary protection (TP) to Ukrainians fleeing the war and hosts one of the largest refugee communities relative to its population in Europe. UNHCR supports the Government to strengthen asylum procedures, improve reception standards and develop a conducive environment for refugees’ socio-economic inclusion. UNHCR supports the authorities to improve statelessness determination procedures and access to socio-economic inclusion of stateless people. HIGHLIGHTS Strengthening asylum procedures UNHCR advocates with national authorities to secure access to asylum procedures for all people in need, further strengthen identification and referral mechanisms, improve the decision-making process and develop inclusion prospects to foster self-reliance of asylum seekers and refugees. Statelessness Montenegro is progressing towards the full implementation of the remaining three of seven statelessness Global Refugee Forum (GRF) pledges, by further enhancing the statelessness determination procedures (SDP), implementing fully functional birth registration procedures for people born in Montenegro and amending relevant legislation to secure access to socio-economic rights for stateless people.

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UNHCR Germany Fact Sheet February 2026

Countries: Germany, Afghanistan, Syrian Arab Republic, Türkiye, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Germany has a long tradition in refugee protection and ranks among the largest refugee hosting countries globally. Germany maintains a functioning protection system for forcibly displaced and stateless people and supports the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees. Germany is one of the largest humanitarian donors globally. In 2025, Germany was UNHCR’s third largest and most flexible donor. HIGHLIGHTS Germany as a country of asylum Over 168,000 asylum applications were lodged in 2025. First applications went down to 113,000 which is a reduction by over 50% as compared to the previous year. The number of repeat applications was unusually high (over 55,000), following a surge of applications submitted by Afghan women present in Germany in reaction to the CJEU judgment on the persecution faced by women in Afghanistan. Almost 311,000 decisions were adopted by the authorities, with more than 87,000 applicants granted refugee status, subsidiary or humanitarian protection. Moreover, more than 1.25 million refugees from Ukraine held temporary protection status in Germany at the end of the year.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Belgium Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Belgium, Afghanistan, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. According to the Immigration Office, Belgium has received 34,439 applications for international protection in 2025, a 13 per cent decrease compared to 2024. The total recognition rate at first instance stands at 30 per cent. According to the Immigration Office, between January - November 2025, a total of 8,157 people were granted temporary protection, bringing the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection in Belgium to 99,963. The reception system remains overstrained in Belgium and thousands of asylum-seekers have been squatting or sleeping in the streets. UNHCR continues to call for adequate reception conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Family reunification In June 2025, UNHCR issued comments on the draft law on family reunification, noting that the proposed changes risk significantly limiting access to family reunification for beneficiaries of international protection. EU Pact on Asylum and Migration UNHCR has analysed the impact of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum at national level and is engaged with authorities and civil society on its implementation, highlighting the importance of upholding international protection standards.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Slovenia Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Slovenia, Afghanistan, Algeria, Morocco, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Slovenia continues to offer a generally welcoming environment for forcibly displaced individuals, ensuring access to territory, protection, social services, and employment, in line with its Global Refugee Forum (GRF) pledges. In October 2025, Slovenia became a member of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, a broad international coalition of governments, UN agencies, civil society and other partners committed to ending statelessness worldwide. UNHCR participates in Slovenia’s inter-ministerial working group on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, and contributes to legislation and training for its protection-sensitive implementation. HIGHLIGHTS Complementary Education Pathways On 14 November 2025, two refugee students arrived in Slovenia to begin their Master’s studies at the EuroMediterranean University (EMUNI) in Piran, marking the latest milestone in Slovenia’s Complementary Education Pathway, supported by UNHCR. Now in its second year, the initiative offers a safe route for refugees to pursue higher education in Slovenia, while ensuring their international protection needs are fully met upon arrival. Capacity-building for interpreters In November 2025, UNHCR and the Slovenian Ministry of the Interior organised two practical workshops for around 20 interpreters working in asylum procedures, focusing on professional standards for interpreting including confidentiality, impartiality and clear role boundaries as well as communication with vulnerable applicants.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Ireland Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Ireland, Afghanistan, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Arrivals: a total of 13,162 people applied for international protection in Ireland in 2025, representing a decrease of nearly 30 per cent compared with 2024. In addition, Ireland welcomed 290 Syrian refugees through resettlement from Lebanon and Jordan. CJEU Ruling: In its judgment on reception conditions in Ireland, the Court of Justice of the European Union found that the State cannot invoke force majeure to justify failing to provide asylum‑seekers with their basic material needs. The ruling aligns with UNHCR’s submission. International Protection Bill: In January, the Minister for Justice received Cabinet approval to publish the International Protection Bill 2026, which will replace the International Protection Act 2015 and reform Ireland’s asylum system in line with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

UNHCR Iceland Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Iceland, Nigeria, occupied Palestinian territory, Ukraine, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), World Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Contributions to international protection: Iceland maintains a favourable protection environment for forcibly displaced and stateless people and continues to explore modalities to strengthen protection. Increase of funding: Iceland has responded to rising displacement needs globally by increasing its funding to UNHCR. In 2025, Iceland contributed USD 4.6 million to UNHCR. Access to procedures: Iceland ensures effective access to asylum procedures for forcibly displaced people, including beneficiaries of temporary protection.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

Georgia Fact Sheet, February 2026

Countries: Georgia, India, Türkiye, Ukraine Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. UNHCR assists forcibly displaced and stateless people, including refugees from Ukraine, and works with the government and partners on international protection, statelessness and internal displacement. UNHCR coordinates the Ukraine refugee response and cooperates with the Government on the 2021 - 2030 Migration Strategy, implementation of Georgia's Global Refugee Forum (GRF) pledges and refugee inclusion. UNHCR also supports protection and livelihoods for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Abkhazia.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept

A Route-Based Snapshot: Data & Trends for Refugees from Myanmar, as of end-August 2026

Countries: Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached Infographic. The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar remains one of the world’s most complex and protracted, marked by repeated waves of displacement and limited prospects for durable solutions. Escalating conflict and human rights violations have forced millions to flee within Myanmar and across borders. As of August 2026, 4 million people are internally displaced, and 1.63 million are refugees and asylum-seekers. The crisis has been worsened by disasters and extreme weather in recent years, including Cyclone Mocha (May 2023), Typhoon Yagi (September 2024), and a 7.7 magnitude earthquake (March 2025). With no sign of improvement, prospects for safe and voluntary returns, especially for 1.33 million Rohingya remain bleak. As humanitarian resources in host countries grow increasingly strained, thousands of Myanmar refugees are undertaking dangerous journeys in search of protection, safety, family reunification, and livelihoods. UNHCR is adopting a Route-Based Approach to improve early access to protection and solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers - ultimately reducing the need for risky onward movement. UNHCR continues to urge States across the region to strengthen coordination to save lives at sea, fully deploy rescue capacities, and ensure safe, timely disembarkation—upholding the principles of humanity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

ReliefWebReliefWeb•UN High Commissioner for Refugees16 Sept