Governments
Governments
Present in 137 countries, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works closely with governments to protect, assist and find long-term solutions for refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless people.
Governments as donors
Governments are UNHCR’s largest source of funding. Each year, voluntary contributions from governments and the European Union typically account for around 80 per cent of our annual income.
These long-standing partnerships provide the crucial support that allows UNHCR to protect, save lives and build better futures for tens of millions of refugees, internally displaced and stateless people around the world. UNHCR sincerely thanks our generous donors who make this work possible.
Top government and EU donors by contributions | 2024
| Rank | Donor | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 2,055,594,864 |
| 2 | Germany | 332,728,487 |
| 3 | European Union | 270,563,345 |
| 4 | Sweden | 166,545,811 |
| 5 | France | 130,649,042 |
| 6 | Norway | 127,415,294 |
| 7 | Japan | 118,535,352 |
| 8 | Denmark | 118,324,136 |
| 9 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 111,811,939 |
| 10 | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | 79,888,854 |
Learn more about our top donors
This data reflects contributions as of the end of 2024, the most recent year for which figures are final. It is updated each June, following the release of UNHCR’s Global Report, our annual report. For the latest updates on contributions, including current-year figures, please visit UNHCR’s contributions page.
Working in partnership
UNHCR works in close partnership with governments to protect people forced to flee. Host governments, supported by UNHCR, often lead the response to displacement crises. They contribute resources such as land, staff and expertise, alongside financial support. Many generously expand national systems, such as healthcare and education, to include refugees. UNHCR works with and supports host governments to respond, helping ensure people forced to flee are protected and have access to essential services and rights.
Likewise, when conditions allow, UNHCR works with governments to support the safe and dignified return of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. We work together to coordinate voluntary returns and support governments to restore basic services and infrastructure – such as housing, schools and water systems – in places where these may have been damaged by disuse or conflict.
UNHCR also works in partnership with governments to strengthen and implement asylum and refugee protection systems in line with the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Through close collaboration, we provide strategic advice and technical assistance to help governments translate these commitments into national laws and policies that protect refugees’ rights.
Governance and strategic direction
UNHCR is governed by Member States, who are represented on the Executive Committee and participate in its annual meetings, Standing Committee consultations, and across the broader UN system. These governing bodies and regular forums allow governments to discuss, review and approve UNHCR’s programmes and budget, and advise on international protection issues, ensuring accountability and alignment with our mandate.
Through these forums, governments provide strategic guidance and work alongside UNHCR and international partners to discuss displacement challenges and support the development of effective solutions.
Resources for policymakers and government donors
Looking for operational updates and funding data? UNHCR publishes operational reports, funding updates and related data in the Planning, funding and results section of our website.
