The United Kingdom is one of the only member states committed to the target of disbursing aid equivalent to 0.7% of GDP, which is enshrined in UK law. UNHCR’s fourth largest contributor of unearmarked funding, the United Kingdom provides a vital resource enabling flexibility to kick start emergencies, bolster underfunded situations and help operations implement programmes as fully as possible. A model for upholding the Grand Bargain commitment to multi-year contributions, the United Kingdom’s funding helps give UNHCR the predictability and assurance to carry on operations from one year to the next, thus ensuring that refugees and other displaced people continue to have, among others, clean water and shelter, and access to legal services, healthcare and education. The United Kingdom is, in particular, a dedicated supporter of cash-based assistance, giving displaced people dignity and independence to determine their own needs.

As a strategic partner, the United Kingdom supports UNHCR to ensure that protection is central to all humanitarian responses. A strong advocate for vulnerable groups of people, the United Kingdom works closely with UNHCR to safeguard women, girls and persons with disabilities who could be at risk of sexual and gender-based violence, or of sexual exploitation and abuse.