UN refugee agency cuts 3,500 staff positions after donors cut aid

GENEVA, June 16 (Reuters) - The U.N. refugee agency said on Monday that it has discontinued around 3,500 staff positions after a review prompted by a sharp drop in humanitarian funding.

"We will focus our efforts on activities that have the greatest impact for refugees, supported by streamlined headquarters and regional bureau structures," said Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The reduction in fixed posts, along with the non-renewal of temporary contracts, has resulted in a 30% drop in staffing costs, the Geneva-based agency said.