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Upcoming Changes to the ReliefWeb API: What You Need to Know

The ReliefWeb API is central to our mission of sharing timely, accurate humanitarian information with partners, organizations and the public. Each year, the API processes millions of calls, enabling seamless access to critical updates that support informed decision-making in crises. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we actively monitor how the API is used to help guide future enhancements and ensure it meets the evolving needs of our global users.

To keep pace with evolving technology standards and growing demand, ReliefWeb is implementing two important updates to its API. These changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen platform resilience, improve performance, and address security concerns in an era where digital threats are increasingly common. By enhancing traceability and modernizing our infrastructure, we aim to ensure the API remains a reliable and sustainable resource for the humanitarian community.

If your application or service relies on the API, please review the changes below and take action as needed to ensure uninterrupted access.

Appname Enforcement

To enhance traceability and security, ReliefWeb will begin enforcing the use of unique appname identifiers in API requests. When analyzing usage, the team observed that some applications use very generic names. These identifiers will need to be updated to more specific and harder-to-guess values.

Read our guidance on creating a suitable appname and then submit a request for a new/updated appname

Timeline: From 1 November 2025, appnames that have not been requested will be disabled and will not have access to the API.

Request an appname.

API Version 1 Deprecation

We are officially deprecating Version 1 of the ReliefWeb API. All users are encouraged to migrate to Version 2, which offers improved functionality and performance while maintaining full compatibility with Version 1.

You can find the documentation for Version 2 here: https://apidoc.reliefweb.int/

Timeline: Version 1 will be fully disabled at the end of Q1 2026.

We appreciate your cooperation in making these transitions smooth and secure. If you have any questions or need support during the migration, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

Also, consider joining the ReliefWeb API Google group to help stay connected and informed.

Have questions about these changes? Let us know at feedback@reliefweb.int.