Country: Aruba (The Netherlands) Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees ORANJESTAD – Due to global funding challenges affecting humanitarian operations worldwide, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will close its National Office in Aruba effective 31 August 2025 due to the organization’s current financial constraints.During a recent mission to Aruba, José Egas, UNHCR Representative for Belize, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Central and Southern Caribbean, met with government officials, refugees, civil society organizations, and key implementing and strategic partners, including Fundación Contra Violencia Relacional, Fundación Venearuba Solidaria, and Centro pa Desaroyo Aruba. The visit aimed to strengthen advocacy efforts and explore strategies to enhance the protection of forcibly displaced people“While we are closing our National Office in Aruba, our solidarity with displaced individuals and their families remains unwavering,” said Egas. “We will continue to collaborate closely with partners and the Government, supporting access to essential services and long-term solutions.”Since establishing its presence in Aruba in 2018, UNHCR, working in close collaboration with the Government, civil society, and UN partners, has supported the asylum system, protection services, including legal aid, strengthened community structures and provided direct assistance for vulnerable groups such as women and girls. Between 2022 and today, UNHCR and partners have counseled more than 6,000 people through these efforts.UNHCR remains committed to supporting its NGO partners in delivering essential services to asylum-seekers and refugees. The agency will continue to advocate for and assist the Government of Aruba in developing a national asylum system that aligns with international standards and ensures protection for forcibly displaced people. As part of this transition, activities in Aruba will be coordinated by UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama, with two outposted personnel continuing to operate locally in the country.UNHCR calls for sustained and flexible funding to meet growing humanitarian needs and ensure that people forced to flee are not left behind.For more information or assistance, please contact aruor@unhcr.org.