Shafaqna English– The United Nations has announced significant reductions to its global humanitarian operations, citing what it described as the “largest funding cuts ever” for a drastic scaling back of its aid goals.
In a statement released on Monday (16 June 2025) the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it was now appealing for $29 billion in aid, down sharply from the $44 billion it had requested in December, and would refocus on the most critical emergencies under a “hyper-prioritised” plan.
The move follows a steep decline in funding from key donors, with the United States – historically the largest contributor – having slashed foreign aid under the administration of President Trump.
Other donors have since followed suit, citing global economic uncertainty. So far this year, the UN has received only $5.6 billion, a mere 13 percent of what it initially sought.
This comes as humanitarian needs soar in conflict zones, including Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Myanmar.
“Brutal funding cuts leave us with brutal choices,” said Undersecretary-General for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher.
“All we ask is 1 percent of what you spent 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,” he added.
Source: Aljazeera