The United Nations has initiated a fundraising effort of $46 billion for 2024 to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by war, particularly in Ukraine and Israel. This was reported on December 11 by Reuters, as conveyed by Babel.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs notes that nearly 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance next year due to armed conflicts, climate change, and economic factors.
"I think the Middle East as a whole, Gaza and the West Bank, are likely to be the areas of greatest need. But Ukraine is going through desperate times and a war that will escalate anew next year. This will require a lot of attention", - said the head of the Office, Martin Griffiths.
At the same time, the latest UN report highlights the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, a consequence of the ongoing russian war. The document notes growing challenges, particularly daily attacks on key civilian infrastructure leading to casualties among the civilian population.
It is emphasized that the humanitarian system is facing a financial crisis, as last year, the UN received just over a third of the $57 billion needed to provide assistance. The organization described this as the "worst funding shortfall in recent years".
As reported, the UN will provide assistance to 900,000 Ukrainian civilians this winter.