UN, African Union urge investment in ‘vital role’ of local aid organizations [EN/AR/SW]

United Nations and humanitarian partners launch US$47 billion appeal for 2025 to support 190 million people worldwide

(Nairobi, 4 December 2024): 46 per cent of the world’s 305 million people, who will need humanitarian assistance in 2025, are in Africa, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today, launching the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) for 2025.

The appeal, launched in Geneva, Kuwait City and Nairobi, seeks $47 billion to provide life-saving aid in 32 countries and nine refugee-hosting regions. Some $20 billion or 41 per cent of the funding required is for response in Africa.

“What makes these staggeringly high numbers so unconscionable, is that the two main drivers are both man-made: conflict and the global climate emergency” said Edem Wosornu, OCHA’s Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Nairobi launch event which was co-hosted by the African Union.

The number of people who will need assistance includes 85 million people in Southern and Eastern Africa; 59 million people in the Middle East and North Africa; and 57 million people in West and Central Africa.

Across the world, armed conflicts are intensifying in frequency and brutality, forcing nearly 123 million people to flee their homes. They also disproportionately affect women and girls. For example, 2024 has been a terribly dangerous year for civilians, but in particular, it has been the most dangerous year for women and children as more women have died from conflict than any year.

Climate-induced disasters are ravaging communities, devastating food systems and driving mass displacement. Meanwhile, older crises remain unresolved, with the average humanitarian appeal now spanning a decade.

The GHO for 2025 outlines carefully prioritized response plans, uniting over 1,500 humanitarian partners to provide critical assistance to 190 million people. Despite donors’ longstanding generosity, funding shortfalls persist. By November 2024, only 43 per cent of the $50 billion appeal for that year had been met.

Despite underfunding, access challenges and widespread violations of international humanitarian law, humanitarian agencies reached nearly 116 million people in 2024, delivering vital food, shelter, healthcare, education and protection services, thanks to donor support.

“We recognize the vital role of local and national organizations and actors in delivering effective humanitarian responses,” Ms Wosornu said. “They are always at the heart of the response, can leverage community networks to access affected people, and ensure more effective, efficient and sustainable action,” she underscored.

“The African Union is committed to empowering local actors and communities to enhance their capacity and resilience in responding to humanitarian crises,” said Rita Amukhobu, the head of humanitarian affairs in the African Union Commission’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

“By prioritizing localization, we aim to improve coordination between international and local stakeholders for efficient and effective responses. Local actors, often closest to affected populations, are crucial for sustainable impact,” stressed Ms. Amukhobu.

For further information, please contact: Basma Ourfali, OCHA ROSEA, +254780926564, basma.ourfali@un.org