VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta office of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is reducing some functions as the organization faces a severe funding shortage. While maintaining an operational presence in Malta, some support services—such as public relations—will now be managed by its regional office in Italy.
A spokesperson for UNHCR Malta said the new operational plan is still under review, but emphasized that core services for refugees and other persons of concern will continue. The reduction follows a global funding crisis affecting many humanitarian organizations, with UNHCR particularly hard hit. The agency has been operating in Malta since 2005, supporting asylum seekers and coordinating humanitarian initiatives. Globally, UNHCR requires $10.6 billion for 2025, but has so far raised only 23% of that amount.
The deficit has been exacerbated by severe cuts from the United States, historically the largest donor, which contributed 40% of funding last year. The budget squeeze has forced UNHCR to suspend or reduce programs worth $1.4 billion, including a 60% cut in emergency aid in countries such as Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. The agency has warned that up to 11.6 million displaced people risk losing access to vital support if governments do not increase their contributions.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
