Partnership with Qatar a key pillar in addressing global humanitarian crises, says UNHCR official

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Ahmed Lotfy Mohsen, UNHCR's representative in Qatar, emphasized Qatar's decade-long financial and logistical support totaling over $440 million to aid displaced populations worldwide. This partnership enhances UNHCR's ability to deliver essential services and respond rapidly to crises, demonstrating a successful model of international cooperation amid rising global displacement.

Ahmed Lotfy Mohsen, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Qatar, highlighted the critical role of Qatar’s partnership with the UN agency in tackling global humanitarian crises. In an interview with the Qatar News Agency, Mohsen underscored Qatar’s substantial financial and logistical support to UNHCR initiatives over the past decade.

Since 2010, Qatar, through both government bodies and charitable organizations, has contributed approximately $440 million to aid forcibly displaced populations worldwide. These funds have primarily supported protection programs and the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, and shelter.

Mohsen emphasized that Qatar’s assistance extends beyond monetary contributions. The country has played a significant role in providing logistical support, including facilitating the transport of relief supplies to regions experiencing acute crises, such as Afghanistan and Lebanon. Additionally, Qatar has actively engaged diplomatically to promote stability and dialogue, which are crucial elements for the implementation of voluntary return and local integration programs for displaced persons.

A notable aspect of Qatar’s support involves flexible funding mechanisms. Since 2019, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has provided $40 million in unearmarked funding to UNHCR. This flexible financing enables rapid and targeted responses to emergencies, particularly allowing resources to be allocated to the most underfunded operations to ensure the continuity of vital services.

Mohsen also addressed Qatar’s role in advancing innovative financing through Islamic philanthropy. Since 2018, contributions based on Zakat and voluntary charity have totaled nearly $145 million. In June, Qatar Charity signed a strategic agreement to contribute $10 million to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees, illustrating the growing integration of faith-based giving within the broader humanitarian financing framework.

Speaking ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, Mohsen described this period as a moment for renewed reflection on international protection mechanisms. He stressed the need for strengthened global solidarity and effective partnerships in light of escalating humanitarian challenges and record levels of displaced individuals worldwide.

The UNHCR representative characterized the partnership with Qatar as a successful example of collaboration between governments and international organizations in responding to complex humanitarian crises, highlighting its value in addressing current and future displacement challenges.

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