The United Nations has called for a USD46bn funding appeal for 2024 to address humanitarian crises globally, including in regions like the occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan, and Ukraine, as reported by Reuters on December 11. The Global Humanitarian Overview for 2024, presented by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), underscores that almost 300 million people will require assistance due to factors such as conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic challenges. The current funding crisis is deemed the “worst in years,” with just over one-third of the USD57bn needed for aid being met last year. U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths emphasized the urgency in addressing needs in the Middle East, specifically in Gaza and the West Bank, and highlighted the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Griffiths mentioned that the humanitarian system is facing unprecedented challenges, and despite efforts to be “realistic, focused, and tough-minded” in assessing needs for 2024, the situation remains dire. He pointed out that the Middle East, including Gaza and the West Bank, is anticipated to be the area of greatest need, while also acknowledging the desperate situation in Ukraine, which is expected to face a resumption of full-scale conflict next year, demanding significant attention and resources.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/world/un-appeals-46-bln-meet-humanitarian-needs-2024-2023-12-11/