Geneva: In response to the most severe funding crisis in the history of global humanitarian assistance, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Monday unveiled a dramatically scaled-back emergency appeal for $29 billion. The aim is to channel aid toward the world’s most life-threatening situations, as available resources continue to fall drastically short of needs.
“We are now operating under the harshest form of triage,” Fletcher said. “The numbers don’t lie – they’re devastating. We won’t reach everyone, but we will do everything in our power to save as many lives as possible.”
The revised appeal marks a shift in strategy, concentrating support on countries and communities facing the most acute emergencies. It emphasizes delivering life-saving aid swiftly and efficiently, without rigid frameworks, and with respect for the dignity and autonomy of those affected. Humanitarian groups under the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) say the new approach allows people in crisis to determine the kind of help they need most.
This urgent call supplements – but does not replace – the broader Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) for 2025, which was launched last December and seeks $44 billion to support 180 million people in 70 countries. So far this year, however, donors have provided less than 13 percent of that target.
“Massive funding cuts have forced us into impossible choices,” Fletcher said. “We’re only asking for one percent of what was spent on global conflict last year. But this appeal goes beyond dollars – it’s a moral plea for shared humanity and a united effort to reduce suffering around the world.”
