The United Nations has announced drastic cuts to its humanitarian operations, reducing its 2025 funding appeal from $44 billion to $29 billion. This "hyper-prioritized" plan responds to what UN officials call the "deepest funding cuts ever" recorded, with only 13% of the original target ($5.6 billion) secured halfway through the year.
The primary catalyst is severe budget reductions by major donors, spearheaded by the United States under President Donald Trump. Historically the largest humanitarian contributor, the U.S. has drastically curtailed foreign aid since January 2025. Key European nations—including the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands—followed suit, redirecting funds toward defense amid economic uncertainty.
Tom Fletcher, UN Humanitarian Affairs Chief, described the cuts as forcing "brutal choices" in a world "on fire." Programs for refugees, food security, and health services face reductions while 122 million people remain displaced globally—double the figure from a decade ago. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) will cut 30% of staffing costs, eliminate 3,500 positions, and close regional offices. Fletcher starkly noted: "We’re asking for 1% of what the world spent last year on war. This is a call for human solidarity".
Under the new plan, aid will target only Level 4 and 5 emergencies—areas facing "extreme or catastrophic" conditions. This includes:
Famine-risk zones: Sudan, Gaza, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali, where communities face starvation.
Conflict hotspots: Myanmar, DR Congo, and Syria, where violence compounds food shortages.
The World Food Programme warns a 40% funding cut threatens aid for 58 million people, with director Cindy McCain calling the situation a "red alert".
Beyond immediate hunger, the cuts cripple long-term safeguards: early-warning systems for human rights violations, disease prevention programs, and protection for vulnerable groups. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that reduced funding "offers comfort to dictators," eroding global accountability. Cash-based assistance—a dignified lifeline for millions—will also shrink despite proven effectiveness.