KABUL: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced that it will lay off 3,500 employees globally due to budget cuts.
The French news agency quoted the agency as saying that the move will also reduce its humanitarian and welfare activities for refugees.
The primary cause of the financial crisis facing the UNHCR is the cessation of funding by U.S. President Donald Trump, which previously covered 40% of the agency’s annual expenses, amounting to $2 billion in annual support.
According to reports, the changes will result in not only the closure of many branches at the Geneva headquarters but also the shutdown of various offices within UNHCR’s global representations.