By Okafor Joseph Afam | December 24, 2024

At least 117 million people will not receive food or humanitarian assistance in 2025 due to funding shortfalls, the United Nations has warned. The organisation estimates that 307 million individuals will require aid next year, but current funding levels can only support about 60% of them, leaving millions at risk of hunger, disease, and displacement.

In 2024, the U.N. managed to raise just 46% of the $49.6 billion it sought for global humanitarian aid. This marks the second consecutive year the agency has secured less than half of the required funds, exacerbating a dire situation for vulnerable populations worldwide.

“We have been forced to scale back appeals to those in most dire need,” said Tom Fletcher, U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs.

Stark Choices in the Face of Hunger

The World Food Program (WFP) painted a grim picture of the crisis. In Syria, aid cuts have led to desperate measures. “We are at this point taking from the hungry to feed the starving,” said Rania Dagash-Kamara, a WFP representative, emphasizing the severity of the crisis.

Political decisions in wealthier nations have further worsened the situation. Germany, historically a significant donor, plans to cut $1 billion from its humanitarian aid budget in 2025, following a $500 million reduction this year.

The U.S., the largest donor to global aid, has provided $64.5 billion over the last five years, accounting for 38% of global humanitarian funding. However, uncertainty surrounds how President-elect Donald Trump will address aid priorities during his second term.

China and India, the world’s second and fifth largest economies respectively, have been criticized for their minimal contributions, which accounted for less than 1% of U.N. humanitarian funding between 2020 and 2024.

“How come there is not more interest in helping starving children in the rest of the world?” asked Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, reflecting frustration at the lack of global solidarity.

Aid Delays and Inefficiencies

Beyond funding, aid workers face logistical hurdles, including delays and restrictions. “Aid tends to arrive when the animals are dead, people are on the move, and children are malnourished,” noted Julia Steets, director of the Global Public Policy Institute.

Corruption and inefficiencies in aid distribution have also eroded trust. High-profile scandals in Ethiopia and Sudan have sparked scrutiny, with some donor nations imposing stricter oversight. A U.S. official defended these measures, stating they ensure “the responsible use of U.S. taxpayer funds.”

Calls for Change

Experts and former officials have called for a structural overhaul of the U.N.’s funding model. Martin Griffiths, a former U.N. relief chief, proposed a mandatory fee system for member states to ensure consistent contributions. However, many donor nations oppose such changes, preferring the current voluntary contribution system.

Jens Laerke, a U.N. spokesperson, urged for a more diversified donor base to address the growing crisis. “We can’t just rely on the same club of donors,” he said, emphasizing the need for broader global participation.

As the U.N. faces an unprecedented funding gap, millions of lives hang in the balance. Without urgent action, the humanitarian system may reach a breaking point, leaving the world’s most vulnerable without the support they desperately need.