Bangkok: The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is rapidly mobilizing staff and emergency supplies across a swathe of the Middle East, from Iran and Afghanistan to Lebanon and Syria, as intensifying hostilities trigger fresh waves of displacement. Speaking in Geneva on Tuesday, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said the agency is leveraging its extensive regional footprint to lead emergency responses in countries already hosting millions of refugees.
According to Thai News Agency, as the largest UN agency in Iran, UNHCR is monitoring internal movements and maintaining helplines for the 1.65 million refugees already in the country. The agency warned that any border closures to those fleeing attacks would constitute refoulement.
Despite having emergency stockpiles in Uzbekistan ready for deployment, the agency highlighted a "significant" reduction in its capacity to assist due to a massive funding gap. UNHCR reports it requires $454.2 million for its 2026 regional response but has received only 15% of that amount as of late February.
The agency urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and called on the international community to bolster financial support as the humanitarian footprint expands across the volatile region.