Middle East war's impact on shipping hitting refugee aid: UNCHR

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Geneva: The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Friday that the ongoing Middle East war is severely crippling humanitarian supply chains. Surging freight rates, delivery delays, and port congestion are draining resources meant for the world's most vulnerable populations.

Shipping costs from key supply hubs like India, Pakistan, and China have jumped nearly 18%, while some transport costs such as those from Dubai to Sudan have more than doubled.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has led to a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the agency to find expensive land routes and sea detours around the Cape of Good Hope.

These reroutes can add up to 25 days to delivery times, a delay that is particularly worrisome for operations in Africa. With only 23% of its $8.5 billion budget funded, the UNHCR fears that prolonged instability will further reduce the scale and speed of life-saving assistance for millions of displaced people.

Photo Credits: AFP