KATHMANDU: The United Nations has raised alarm over a deepening global humanitarian funding crisis, warning that less than 17 percent of the $46 billion needed to address worldwide emergencies in 2025 has been secured so far.
“More than halfway through the year, the humanitarian funding landscape remains dire,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters on Thursday, citing figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
According to Haq, funding levels are down by 40 percent compared to the same period last year, leaving millions of vulnerable people at risk of going without food, shelter, and other lifesaving assistance. “This shortfall is a stark reminder that millions will go hungry without the aid they desperately need,” he stressed.
In June, OCHA responded to what it called the “deepest funding cuts ever” to the global humanitarian system by launching a hyper-prioritized appeal. The initiative aims to focus resources on the most urgent needs within the broader 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview, targeting 114 million people worldwide.
The UN’s warning comes as humanitarian crises, fueled by armed conflicts, climate-related disasters, and economic instability, continue to escalate across multiple regions. Officials have urged governments, donors, and the private sector to step up contributions to avert catastrophic consequences for millions.
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