The organization launched its biggest annual call for aid, which was five times larger than a decade ago, with many concerned about the bleak state of affairs in many parts of the world.
"Suffering in the world has reached levels not seen in a generation. Conflicts and disasters have driven millions of children, women and men to the edge of survival. They desperately need our help," Stephen O'Brien, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator said.
2015 saw the continuation of, and in many cases the increase, of violence in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, where many civilians have been killed, injured or displaced.
Biggest aid appeal ever: $20.1 billion for 87.6m people in 2016 — @UNOCHA https://t.co/z9ECC4hC9H pic.twitter.com/km81rBXR7d
— United Nations (@UN) December 8, 2015
While the UN launched an appeal for US$19.9 billion last year, international donors, including governments, contributed just US$9.7 billion — less than half the amount needed.
2016 global aid appeal calls for $20bn to help 87.6 million people in need; Shocking 5 TIMES the level 10 years ago pic.twitter.com/byvgQ1o9rZ
— Stephen O'Brien (@UNReliefChief) December 7, 2015
Officials urged the international community to help fund UN-run projects, given the dramatic strain on aid organizations.
"The international humanitarian system is all too often the only safety net that exists for people fleeing wars. It has to be funded on a scale that's realistic and commensurate with today's immense challenges," António Guterres, UN high commissioner for refugees said.
"It is clear that with the present level of resources, we are not able to provide even the very minimum in both core protection and life-saving assistance."
Unsurprisingly, the greatest concern is held for the people of Syria, with the country struggling under the pressure of a four-year civil war between numerous parties, and the added threat of airstrikes from an international brigade committed to defeating Daesh, also known as ISIL.
In 2015, about 6 million people were reached monthly with food assistance in #Syria. Our plans for 2016: https://t.co/qBGVwkNDR6 #results
— UNOCHA (@UNOCHA) December 8, 2015
More than 13.5 million people still living in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, while a further 4.7 have been forced to flee the country.
Global #Humanitarian Appeal 2016 — https://t.co/86oHIyJ29R #Iraq pic.twitter.com/xGX5f2zGBl
— UNAMI (@UNIraq) December 7, 2015
However, due to a lack of funding and aid, the UN was forced to temporarily suspend its food aid for Syrian refugees, with concerns similar restraints may need to be made again in 2016 unless funding increases.
