The United Nations announced on Monday that it will scale back its global humanitarian operations following what officials described as the “deepest funding cuts ever” to the relief system.
In a sobering statement, the UN’s humanitarian agency, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), revealed a drastic drop in its financial appeal—from $44 billion in December 2024 to $29 billion now—in what it termed a “hyper-prioritised” appeal designed to make the most of shrinking resources.
The move comes after a substantial funding reduction by the United States under President Donald Trump, who has significantly curtailed support to UN aid initiatives. Several other major donor countries have also scaled back their contributions amid global economic uncertainties.
“Brutal funding cuts leave us with brutal choices,” said Tom Fletcher, head of OCHA. “All we ask is 1 per cent of what you chose to spend last year on war. But this isn't just an appeal for money – it's a call for global responsibility, for human solidarity, for a commitment to end the suffering.”
So far, only $5.6 billion—just 13 per cent of the initial request—has been received in 2025, leaving large-scale relief efforts severely underfunded. The shortfall comes at a time when the agency faces mounting humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Also read: India’s abstention from UN Gaza resolution is pragmatic
“We have been forced into a triage of human survival,” Fletcher added. “The math is cruel, and the consequences are heartbreaking. Too many people will not get the support they need, but we will save as many lives as we can with the resources we are given.”
With the funding gap unlikely to be closed soon, OCHA has stated that resources will now be redirected to areas where needs are most acute. Aid distribution will be based on the planning already undertaken for 2025.
“This will ensure that limited resources are directed where they can do the most good – as quickly as possible,” the agency said.
The revised strategy represents a fundamental shift in the UN’s ability to respond to global emergencies and highlights the growing divide between the increasing need for humanitarian assistance and the world’s willingness to fund it.
Follow us
