The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued an urgent appeal for over $47 billion to assist 190 million people in dire need in 32 countries next year. The new humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, warned that tough choices would need to be made as conflicts and the climate crisis continue to worsen. OCHA’s 2024 funding appeal of $50 billion has only been 43% met as of last month, leading to drastic cuts in aid in regions such as Syria, Myanmar, and Yemen.
The United States, the largest donor contributing over $10 billion last year, faces uncertainties with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Concerns over potential cuts to humanitarian funding have been raised by experts, with the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council calling US funding a “tremendous question mark.”
Fletcher emphasized the need for global solidarity and increased funding to address the unprecedented levels of suffering caused by conflicts and climate-related disasters. The 2025 appeal marks the fourth largest in OCHA’s history, aiming to meet the needs of millions of people who are currently not receiving assistance due to funding shortages.
Humanitarian workers continue to face extreme risks, with at 281 workers killed this year, the highest number on record. OCHA is calling for urgent support to protect and assist those in need and to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
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