the shortfall, which began with the operating deficit in 1989 HCR's programme, resources had been wiped out in 1990. The non-governmental organizations urged donor Governments to end the shortfall and to allocate part of their contributions to replenishing a programme reserve fund to enable UNHCR to carry out vital contingency planning. 73. When UNHCR programmes were cut, pressure was then placed on the non-governmental organizations which had no funds to make up shortfalls. He requested that, in future, if UNHCR was forced to make cuts, it should do so in close consultation with the non-governmental organizations. 74. Mr. ACHE (Chairman, UNHCR Staff Council) said that it was appropriate to place the concern over continuing post reductions and the retrenchment exercise in the wider context of the financial crisis. The consequences of the crisis on UNHCR's ability to respond to the needs of refugees were felt by UNHCR staff in the field and at Headquarters. For UNHCR staff who lived with the day-to-day realities of their work, the effect on morale had been devastating. While accepting the principle that the staffing level should be adapted to changing requirements and realities, the Staff Council was concerned at the lack of transparency in the implementation of the exercise. Since 1987, some 400 posts had apparently been discontinued and also an undetermined number of posts had been created. However, the Staff СогдпсИ had been vinable to ascertain which staff members had lost their jobs as a result and what criteria had been used in the process. The recruitment freeze instituted by the current management was fully supported by the Staff Council. 75. Further discontinuations were contemplated by the end of 1990. It was gratifying that the High Commissioner had decided to use internal resources to 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the financial struggles and consequences of budget cuts on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its staff. The topic of humanitarian aid and relief is prominent, as is the impact on the staff and their morale. The text also touches on the organizational structure and decision-making processes within UNHCR.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief