What is the UNHCR Climate Resilience Fund and what does it support?
In line with our protection mandate and our wide operational presence, UNHCR is stepping up its efforts to ensure that forcibly displaced people fleeing from climate-fuelled crises or living in climate hotspots are protected, have access to sustainable resources, and are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
The Climate Resilience Fund will facilitate direct climate financing and action to reach refugees, stateless and displaced people as well as their host communities. Contributions to the Fund will help expand the reach and impact of climate-related interventions, allowing UNHCR to invest in projects that build resilience, mitigate risks and promote sustainable solutions in climate-vulnerable displacement settings.
Contributions to the Fund will support a range of activities in line with UNHCR‘s Focus Area Strategic Plan for Climate Action 2024-2030 and the main objectives of the Plan.
Climate and displacement
Those most affected by climate change are those who have done little to contribute to it. The climate crisis is amplifying displacement and making life harder for those already forced to flee. For instance, 70% of conflict-displaced IDPs, 40% of refugees and 60 % of stateless people live in fragile and/or conflict-affected countries that are among the most vulnerable to and least ready to adapt to climate change.
What is UNHCR doing on climate change?
UNHCR, in line with its protection mandate and its wide operational presence, is stepping up its efforts to ensure that forcibly displaced people are protected, have access to sustainable resources, and are resilient to the impacts of climate change. In addition, UNHCR is making significant strides at greening its operations and reducing its CO2 footprint.
Objective areas
Geographical scope
We have identified 22 countries* where data demonstrates the impact of the climate crisis will only get worse by 2030. However, while these countries will have priority for funding from the Climate Resilience Fund, all UNHCR operations are eligible for funding.
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ecuador
- Ethiopia
- Honduras
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Pakistan
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Uganda
- Yemen
Criteria: What activities will the Climate Resilience Fund support?
Contributions to the Fund will fund activities directly linked to at least one of the four objective areas as outlined in the Focus Area Strategic Plan:
- International protection;
- Adaptation/access to environmentally sustainable resources;
- Resilience; and
- Mitigation/Greening UNHCR operations.
All activities to be funded are within the Global Appeal 2024. A project pitch list will serve as a guide for potential donors of the types of activities that will benefit from funding. Donors may broadly earmark for a particular sector (e.g. energy, WASH, shelter, etc.).
Overview of climate programmes
Reporting
An annual report on activities and contributions will be published.
FAQs
What is the financing mechanism?
Contributions to the Fund will be grant contributions. There is no separate financing model or mechanism as part of the Fund structure.
What level of earmarking is possible?
Earmarking is possible either by Strategic Plan Objective Area, Geographic Area, or Sector (e.g. energy, WASH, etc.). However, flexible contributions are most valuable and appreciated to help UNHCR respond to evolving and developing situations that may require responsive and immediate funding.
How will contributions to the Climate Resilience Fund complement existing funding and resources available to UNHCR for supporting displaced populations?
The Climate Resilience Fund is designed to attract new and additional funding to scale up UNHCR's climate action in support of displaced and stateless people and their host communities. Contributions to the Fund will help expand the reach and impact of climate-related interventions, allowing UNHCR to invest in targeted projects that build resilience, mitigate risks, and promote sustainable solutions in climate-vulnerable displacement settings.
What is UNHCR's vision for the long-term sustainability of the Climate Resilience Fund and its supported projects?
UNHCR is committed to ensuring the Climate Resilience Fund delivers lasting impact for displaced populations exposed to climate risks. The Fund is anchored in the UNHCR Strategic Framework for Climate Action 2024-2030, reflecting a sustained, multi-year vision for addressing the climate crisis. To promote long-term sustainability, the Fund will support affected population and prioritize projects that build local capacities, involve affected communities in design and implementation, and create synergies with national climate strategies and development plans.
Is there a target for the Climate Resilience Fund?
As outlined in the Global Appeal, UNHCR's climate action requirement for 2024 amounts to US$1 Billion. However, through this Fund, UNHCR hopes to raise an initial US$100 Million by the end of 2025 to support priority countries and activities where we can demonstrate the impact of UNHCR climate action programmes.
For more information on the UNHCR Climate Resilience Fund contact us at: [email protected]