The UK’s support to countries hosting refugees
A review assessing the relevance, coherence and effectiveness of UK support to developing countries hosting refugees at the global level and in specific countries.
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We expect to publish this review in February-March 2027.
Summary
At the end of 2025, the UN estimated the number of refugees worldwide at 41.6 million. Most refugees remain in countries neighbouring their country of origin, with around two-thirds hosted by low- and middle-income countries and many displaced from their homes for five years or more. Countries such as Uganda, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Kenya and Jordan continue to shoulder much of this responsibility.
The UK has committed to supporting countries hosting refugees through international agreements and development partnerships. In 2023, it made 15 pledges under the Global Compact on Refugees at the first Global Refugee Forum, and reaffirmed these commitments in 2025. UK support is delivered through bilateral programmes, international cooperation mechanisms and multilateral development banks.
This review will assess the relevance, coherence and effectiveness of UK support to countries hosting refugees, particularly in the context of reducing pressures on host countries and strengthening partnerships with countries in the Global South. It will examine the period from the UK’s adoption of the Global Compact on Refugees in 2018 to the present, with particular focus on developments since 2023.
Review questions
- How relevant and coherent is the UK’s approach to supporting countries hosting refugees?
- How effectively has the UK contributed to global efforts to support countries hosting refugees?
- How effectively has the UK contributed to supporting countries hosting refugees at the bilateral level?
Read the terms of reference for more information about the review scope.