25 years of supporting refugees in crisis

Australia for UNHCR is marking 25 years of life-changing support for refugees – made possible by you.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or joined more recently, you’re part of a compassionate community standing with displaced people in their darkest moments.

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve responded to some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, delivering safety, relief and hope.

Here’s how your support has made a difference:

2001 Afghanistan Earthquake

In 2001, a powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan, destroying villages and leaving many families without shelter. With support from Australia, UNHCR provided Afghans who’d lost everything with emergency relief including tents, blankets and solar lamps.

2004 Boxing Day Tsunami

UNHCR played a key role in the humanitarian response to the 2024 Boxing Day tsunami, which devastated families in coastal communities across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. In the face of unimaginable loss, Australians showed remarkable generosity, helping families rebuild their lives and restore a sense of safety and hope. With your help, UNHCR deployed emergency teams to deliver relief items, provide shelter and assist in repairing damaged homes.

2011 Horn of Africa Famine

In 2011, the Horn of Africa faced a devastating famine caused by severe drought, forcing millions across Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia to flee their homes. UNHCR provided families with life-saving food, access to clean water and relief supplies including blankets and kitchen sets. This response was critical in helping people stay safe and healthy.

2011 Outbreak of Conflict in Syria

The Syrian conflict began when public demonstrations were met with a violent government crackdown, triggering a civil war that has lasted over a decade. Although the fall of Assad’s regime in December 2024 brought hope, the situation remains volatile. Today, more than 14 million Syrians need humanitarian aid. With the help of Australian donors, UNHCR has remained on the ground, providing shelter, healthcare and cash assistance to displaced families in Syria and across the region, as well as support for those returning home.

2017 Rohingya Emergency

When violence erupted in Myanmar in 2017, over 700,000 Rohingya refugees fled to Bangladesh. Today, more than a million live in Cox’s Bazar - the world’s largest refugee camp – in overcrowded conditions with limited access to food, healthcare and sanitation. With continued support from Australians, UNHCR is delivering emergency shelter, clean water, medical care and livelihood training to help families earn a living and meet their basic needs.

2022 Full-scale War in Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions have been forced to flee. Ongoing attacks continue to kill and displace civilians and destroy homes, schools, hospitals and vital infrastructure. Thanks to your support, UNHCR has been providing essential supplies, cash assistance and psychological care to those affected by the war. With help from Australians, UNHCR teams continue to assist displaced Ukrainians through harsh winters, lost livelihoods and ongoing uncertainty.

Why your continued support matters

From Afghanistan to Ukraine, your generosity has helped UNHCR deliver life-saving aid including emergency shelter, clean water and mental health support. But humanitarian crises don’t end when the headlines fade. As new disasters strike, your continued support is critical to helping displaced families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Donate now