The United Nations announced on Monday that it requires $46.4 billion next year to provide humanitarian assistance to 180.5 million people who are in dire need worldwide.
The organization warned of a “grim” humanitarian situation globally in 2024, citing conflicts, emergency climate conditions, and declining economies wreaking havoc on the conditions of vulnerable groups. It emphasized that the failure to provide funding could cost these individuals their lives, according to AFP.
While international focus is on the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the United Nations pointed out that regions like the Middle East, countries like Sudan, and Afghanistan are among the troubled areas in need of substantial humanitarian operations.
However, the UN has reduced the amount requested for annual support and the number of people it hopes to assist next year, following a decrease in donations.
Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, stated, “Humanitarian workers are saving lives, fighting hunger, protecting children, combating epidemics, and providing shelter and sanitation in many of the world’s non-humanitarian contexts.”
He added, “But the support required from the international community is not keeping pace with the needs.”
The United Nations launched a humanitarian appeal to collect $56.7 billion in 2023 but received only 35% of this amount, marking one of the largest deficits in years. This enabled UN agencies to provide assistance and protection to 128 million people.
With less than a month left in 2023, it is likely that this year will be the first since 2010 where total financial contributions have decreased compared to the previous year.
The UN’s main focus for humanitarian funds includes addressing crises in countries like Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Yemen, all of which are undergoing prolonged conflicts. Specific amounts requested include $4.4 billion for Syria, $3.1 billion for Ukraine, $3 billion for Afghanistan, $2.9 billion for Ethiopia, and $2.8 billion for Yemen. Additionally, $1.2 billion has been requested for the Palestinian Territories, which is almost five times more than a year ago.
The appeal also encompasses aid for refugees, with the UN requesting additional funds to assist Syrian refugees ($5.5 billion), South Sudanese ($1.5 billion), Sudanese ($1.3 billion), and Ukrainians ($1.0 billion). In Latin America, the focus is on countries like Venezuela, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, with specific amounts earmarked for each.
Despite these challenges, there are positive signs in some regions. Countries like Kenya, Malawi, and Pakistan are recovering from humanitarian crises and have been excluded from aid programs this year. Additionally, the demand for aid has been reduced in Somalia and Yemen, which are showing signs of recovery from drought and civil war, respectively.
