Donor Impact: The Reach of Your Kindness

Our donors help UNHCR safeguard the rights and well-being of displaced people around the world. With their support, UNHCR is there at every step of the journey — saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees.

Samuda fled from her home in Myanmar with her three grandchildren, as soldiers looted and burned houses all around them. After 10 grueling days traveling through the jungle, they finally arrived to safety in Bangladesh and settled into Kutupalong refugee settlement.

Since her arrival, Samuda has taken an active role in her community, volunteering to monitor the washroom and shower facilities in her area. “We must keep clean to stay healthy,” she explains. “It’s important to have good health and keep diseases from spreading.”

In the past year, UNHCR and partners have stepped up efforts to address the massive water and sanitation needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Donor support has allowed UNHCR to bring in expert teams to improve the daily supply of safe, clean drinking water through new solar-powered water systems.

Because of that support, Samuda’s grandchildren are healthy and safe. Because of that support, Samuda is able to help her community. Because of people like you, UNHCR has built some 674 water wells and 7,691 new latrines in Rohingya refugee settlements.

When you support UNHCR, you help bring comfort and care to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Beyond tangible things like shelter and supplies, our donors provide hope at a time when despair threatens to overwhelm those who have lost nearly everything. In 2018, more than $420 million was raised from more than 2 million generous donors around the world.

Donors met every challenge we faced, helping UNHCR respond to crises around the world quickly and efficiently.

The need is great but your generosity is greater.

You can read the full 2018 Donor Impact Report here.

Here’s how you can help…

Refugees who have been forced to flee their homes often arrive hungry, exhausted and in need of shelter, food and medical care. UNHCR not only provides immediate, lifesaving aid, but also provides long-term support through education, prenatal care for pregnant women and immunizations for young children. When you start your monthly gift today you’ll be providing protection, shelter and other lifesaving relief to vulnerable people around the world.