UN Curtails Global Humanitarian Aid Amid Record Funding Crisis
UN Curtails Global Humanitarian Aid strategy, calling it a response to the “deepest funding cuts ever.” This decision marks a major setback for international relief efforts as humanitarian crises continue to rise around the world.
Major Cut in Global Relief Budget by UN Curtails Global Humanitarian Aid
On Monday, the UN’s humanitarian agency, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), launched a revised appeal. It now seeks $29 billion for 2025—down from the $44 billion requested in December 2024. Officials describe the new appeal as “hyper-prioritised,” designed to maximize the use of limited funds.
The UN curtails global humanitarian programs as donor fatigue and economic challenges impact contributions. A significant factor is the sharp decline in U.S. funding, which dropped during President Donald Trump’s administration. His cuts to foreign aid continue to affect relief efforts worldwide.
“Brutal Cuts, Brutal Choices,” Says OCHA Chief
Tom Fletcher, OCHA’s head, highlighted the crisis in a press statement:
Brutal funding cuts leave us with brutal choices,” he said. “We aren’t just asking for money — we’re calling for human solidarity and shared responsibility. All we ask is 1% of what you spent last year on war.”
By mid-2025, the UN had received only $5.6 billion of the original $44 billion request. That’s just 13% of what’s needed to address growing emergencies in Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar
OCHA will now direct its resources to areas facing the most urgent needs. This “triage” model prioritizes survival and directs aid where it can save the most lives.
The math is cruel, and the consequences are heartbreaking,” Fletcher added. “We won’t reach everyone, but we’ll do all we can with what we have.”
This urgent shift highlights the fragile state of global relief efforts and the growing need for international support and cooperation.
