A combination of prolonged conflicts, climate change, and violations of international humanitarian law will leave a record 305 million people in urgent need of assistance in 2025, UN's top aid official Tom Fletcher warned on Wednesday.
“The world is on fire…We are dealing with a polycrisis right now globally and it is the most vulnerable people in the world who are paying the price. We are dealing with the impact of conflicts - multiple conflicts - and crises of longer duration and of more intense ferocity” said Tom Fletcher, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, in an appeal for $47.4 billion to provide life-saving aid in more than 30 countries and nine refugee-hosting regions.
Limited Reach and Funding Challenges
Despite the scale of the crisis, aid agencies expect to reach only 190 million of the 305 million people in need due to funding and operational constraints.
Fletcher emphasised the critical situation in long-standing conflict zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where aid efforts are hindered by lack of resources and persistent instability.
“Our teams are eager to deliver, but they need the support to make a difference. It’s a call to action for governments to challenge indifference and impunity,” Fletcher stated.
Climate Crisis Amplifies Humanitarian Needs
Fletcher also underscored the compounding effects of the climate crisis on vulnerable populations. “Conflicts and climate disasters are now converging in the world's poorest regions, making our job even harder,” he noted.
With over 123 million forcibly displaced people globally and violations against children at record levels, Fletcher warned that immediate action is needed to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions.
Pushing for Respect of International Law
The 2025 humanitarian appeal also seeks to reinforce adherence to international humanitarian law amid rising civilian casualties and aid worker deaths. Fletcher called for greater respect for the laws of war in crisis zones like Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria, where access to aid remains obstructed.
“The world’s anchor of humanitarian principles seems to be slipping,” Fletcher lamented, urging global leaders to prioritize compassion and cooperation to address the escalating crises.