United Nations cuts 10,000 jobs amid massive budget deficit

The United Nations is facing a severe financial crisis characterized by significant job cuts and reduced humanitarian operations. Over the last year, more than 10,000 positions were eliminated, with global staff numbers dropping from approximately 130,900 in 2024 to 120,100 in 2025. An additional 2,900 job cuts are projected for 2026.

This budgetary contraction is driven by unpaid dues from member states, most notably the United States, which has accumulated billions in arrears. The funding shortfall directly threatens vital agencies, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UNICEF.

The impact on humanitarian aid is substantial. UNHCR, which requires $10.6 billion to support nearly 130 million people, has raised less than 50% of its target, leading to the closure of operations in 15 countries. It is estimated that millions of people in regions such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Ethiopia may lose essential assistance through 2026.