| The Netherlands flag The Netherlands Making a difference, together.

people carrying bags on their heads
Families cross from Costa Rica into Nicaragua over a so-called "blind spot," or unofficial border crossing near the official border crossing between the two Central American nations just outside the town of Los Chiles, Costa Rica.   ©UNHCR/Nicolo Filippo Rosso

The Netherlands is one of UNHCR’s most reliable partners in refugee protection and humanitarian assistance, providing invaluable financial, political, humanitarian and policy support around the world.

The Netherlands is UNHCR’s fourth-largest government contributor of unearmarked funds, and the eighth-largest government donor overall. Its contribution is vital to UNHCR in assisting refugees, IDPs and others in need. The Netherlands is a leading actor in humanitarian policy fora on issues related to transparency and accountability, and the humanitarian-development nexus among others. 

As UNHCR’s fourth largest government contributor of unearmarked funding in 2021, the Netherlands plays an instrumental role in helping UNHCR to respond where the needs of refugees and other displaced people are the greatest. This includes allowing UNHCR to kick-start emergency responses, and fully respond to situations of protracted and neglected conflicts.

The Netherlands’ support includes specific humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people, including women and girls, and aims to support the resilience of those who are forced to flee.

The Netherlands and UNHCR are both strongly committed to the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, as well as a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

The Netherlands strongly supports the Global Compact on Refugees and is a leader in advocating for and supporting mental health and psychosocial support services in emergencies – as per its pledges at the Global Refugee Forum. 

Total contributions in 2023 to date