Terms of reference published: The UK’s support to countries hosting refugees

29 Oct 2026

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) has today published more information about its forthcoming review of the UK’s support to countries hosting refugees.

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.

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. 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. It will include in-depth case studies in Jordan, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Read the review terms of reference.