The United Nations has allocated $110 million from its emergency relief fund to counteract the sharp decline in global humanitarian aid, particularly following significant cuts from the United States.
According to a UN statement, the funds will be directed toward ten of the world's most underfunded and neglected crises across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
A third of the total amount will be designated for Sudan, currently experiencing the world's worst humanitarian crisis, as well as Chad, which is hosting a massive influx of refugees fleeing the conflict.
Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, emphasized that despite budget reductions, the needs of populations affected by conflict, climate change, and economic instability remain urgent.
The newly allocated funds will also bolster humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Honduras, Mauritania, Niger, Somalia, Venezuela, and Zambia.
The initiative aims to provide critical assistance and protect vulnerable communities facing climate-related disasters.
In 2025, more than 300 million people are expected to depend on humanitarian aid, yet funding levels continue to decline.
The UN estimates that $45 billion is required to support 185 million of the most vulnerable individuals worldwide. However, only 5% of this amount has been secured, leaving a staggering shortfall of over $42 billion as the first quarter of the year nears its end.
The crisis in humanitarian funding has been exacerbated by the United States' recent decision to freeze and drastically reduce foreign aid.
The US State Department announced a 92% cut in multi-year development and foreign aid programs, slashing $54 billion in funding.
This decision, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the "America First" agenda, has placed immense pressure on international relief organizations struggling to sustain essential aid programs.
On January 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing US foreign aid for 90 days, further compounding the funding crisis.
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