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Doha's contributions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has helped ease the situation for hundreds of thousands of refugees and forcibly displaced families from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Somalia among others.

"At time where 20 people are forcibly displaced every minute, Qatar's generous contributions are much needed, and have played an integral role in UNHCR's emergency response," Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Regional Representative to the GCC countries noted

"Thanks to the generous contribution, UNHCR was able to secure shelter, health services, cash assistance, education and other essential support for some of the world's most vulnerable people," Khalifa added.

The figures were revealed in a summary of contributions to UNHCR for 2017, placing the tiny Gulf emirate as the refugee agency's 19th donor.

Meanwhile, the Qatar Fund for Development recently donated $6m to support basic needs and shelter for displaced people in Iraq.

"Qatar has a long-standing history of addressing the needs of those affected by conflict and persecution. As a nation, we believe that we must, whenever possible, assist those less fortunate, particularly those who have been forced to flee their homes," said Khalifa al-Kuwari, director General of Qatar Fund for Development.

"UNHCR's work with regard to the oppressed and displaced people is of utmost importance, and we look forward to jointly alleviating the plight of the forcibly displaced people globally," he added.

According to UNHCR figures, more 60 million people were forcibly displaced due to war and conflict in recent years, creating the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.

A UNHCR report said 53 percent of all refugees in 2014 came from Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia.