France

As one of UNHCR’s top contributors, France is a valued partner whose support is distinguished by its promptness and flexibility. This flexibility proved indispensable in enabling UNHCR to swiftly address emerging crises and sustain operations in underfunded contexts. France’s earmarked funding was primarily directed towards:

• Europe: pressing needs resulting from the war in Ukraine
• Africa: the crises in Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
• Middle East and North Africa
• Asia and the Pacific.

In addition, France’s support covered several critically underfunded operations, including those 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 programming aimed at strengthening the resilience and economic independence of refugees and host communities. Gender equality, education, and longer-term solutions are key priorities for France, including through collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD).

As one of the co-conveners of the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2023, 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
• ensuring the protection and integration of refugee women and girls.