As one of UNHCR's top 10 contributors, France’s partnership is marked by its prompt and flexible funding support.
In 2023, a significant portion, over 30%, of France's annual contribution to UNHCR was unearmarked. This flexibility proved indispensable in swiftly addressing emerging crises and underfunded areas. Earmarked funding primarily targeted pressing situations in Ukraine, Türkiye, and Armenia emergencies in Europe; Sudan in Africa; the Middle East and North Africa; as well as in Asia and the Pacific. It also encompassed critically underfunded operations in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Chad, Ethiopia, and Lebanon.
As a resettlement country, France welcomes around 3,000 refugees each year, providing people with an opportunity to start a new life. France has also shown commitment to UNHCR through regular funding of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program, offering young French professionals the opportunity to work for UNHCR at Headquarters and in the field.
France is committed to the principles of the Grand Bargain and has adopted a proactive approach towards the implementation of the humanitarian-development nexus. France also supports new models of refugee assistance and innovative approaches in a bid to increase the resilience and economic independence of refugees. Gender equality, education, as well as energy and infrastructure are important priorities that France supports, including through the French Development Agency.
As one of the co-conveners of the 2023 Global Refugee Forum (GRF), France plays a pivotal role in mobilizing efforts and collaborates closely with UNHCR across various priority areas. These include socio-economic inclusion, private sector engagement, climate change mitigation in displacement settings, and ensuring the protection and integration of refugee women and girls.
46% of the contribution was softly earmarked and unearmarked