Middle East Crisis
The escalation of conflict in the Middle East means that families are caught in the crossfire.
Last updated 9th April 2026
Families have been forced to flee their homes, including those who are already refugees, with nowhere safe to turn.
Shelter
to help families who have lost their homes.
Essentials items
like blankets and hygiene kits to assist refugees fleeing with nothing.
Protection
for vulnerable people on the move.
What’s happening in the Middle East?
A humanitarian emergency is intensifying across the Middle East, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee.
Intense airstrikes in Lebanon have displaced over 1 million people, with an estimated 35% being children, whilst over 206,500 Syrian refugees have returned to Syria since the start of the crisis. Families in Lebanon, including those who have already fled violence, are once again facing fear, uncertainty and danger.
In Iran, UNHCR is the largest UN agency on the ground, and is prepared with relief supplies, protection and shelter support. UNHCR is at Iran’s key border points ready to receive people should they arrive with protection, relief items and counselling.
This is a region with many complex political dynamics, but one thing is clear: civilians must be protected, and refugees deserve safety and humanitarian aid.
How many refugees are hosted by Middle Eastern countries?
As a region, the Middle East generously hosts nearly 25 million forcibly displaced people and returnees. For example, there are over 500,000 registered refugees in Lebanon, over 400,000 refugees in Jordan and over 350,000 in Iraq. Most refugees in the Middle East have been forced to flee from Syria and Afghanistan and are living in neighbouring countries.
In Lebanon, UNHCR works alongside other UN agencies to address the needs of vulnerable groups from all nationalities living in Lebanon, benefitting refugees and host communities alike.
How long has UNHCR been in the Middle East?
UNHCR has been in the Middle East for decades, responding to both new and long-standing conflicts which are affecting the region and exacerbating forced displacement.
What help is needed in the Middle East?
UNHCR is at Iran’s key border points in neighbouring countries ready to respond with the relief items that people need most in the first days after they are forced to flee, including blankets, sleeping mats and hygiene kits. Providing vulnerable displaced people with these emergency items supports their dignity, health and privacy, reducing further protection risks.
Where is UNHCR on the ground?
UNHCR and partners are on the ground in Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Türkiye and at the borders of neighbouring countries ready with lifesaving relief.
What is UNHCR doing for people in Iran?
Between 600,000 and 1 million Iranian households are now temporarily displaced inside Iran as a result of the ongoing conflict, according to Iranian Government estimates, representing up to 3.2 million people. This figure is likely to continue rising as hostilities persist, marking a worrying escalation in humanitarian needs. Also affected are refugee families hosted in the country, mostly Afghans, who are particularly vulnerable. Families are leaving affected areas amid rising insecurity and limited access to essential services.
With its longstanding presence in Iran – including operational reception areas, helplines and ongoing support services – UNHCR is adapting its response to growing needs, working with national authorities and partners to assess emerging requirements and strengthen preparedness as population movements increase.
Does UNHCR also work in Palestine?
UNHCR does not have operations or staff in Gaza as this is led by a different UN agency, UNRWA.
As background: In 1949, the UN General Assembly established two different UN refugee agencies – the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) – to respond to distinct refugee crises. The UN General Assembly provided these Agencies with complementary mandates to assist and protect refugees.
The UNRWA mandate extends to the delivery of services to Palestine refugees within its five fields of operations: the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Therefore, Palestine refugees living in these areas do not fall under UNHCR’s mandate. However, UNHCR has a mandate regarding Palestine refugees when they are outside the UNRWA areas of operations in certain circumstances.
You can find out more about UNRWA’s work here.
Where can I access the latest data and reports?
UNHCR Situation Portal – for latest updates on the crisis overall, including UNHCR situation reports, funding requirements and UNHCR’s support for neighbouring countries in the Middle East taking in refugees.
Iran Operational Data Portal – for the latest on UNHCR’s relief work to protect displaced people.