Global Humanitarian Overview 2024, January Update (Snapshot as of 31 January 2024)
16 Feb 2024
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Summary
Inter-Agency Coordinated Appeals: January Update
2024 |
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People in need301 million
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People targeted181.1 million
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Appeals35
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Requirements (US$)$46.6 billion
In the context of UN-coordinated plans, the figure for people targeted is always a subset of the figure for the number of people in need, as it is the result of response analysis, taking into consideration humanitarian access, response capacity of partners, and responses planned/anticipated by humanitarian actors outside of the appeal.
The 2024 GHO launched in December 2023 required $46.6 billion to assist 181 million of the 301 million people in need of aid in 73 countries. The Middle East and North African region requires $13.9 billion, the largest total for any region in 2024 and accounting for 30 per cent of the Global Humanitarian Overview. East and Southern Africa requires $10.9 billion, while West and Central Africa calls for $8.3 billion. Asia and the Pacific will require $5.5 billion, Eastern Europe $4.1 billion, and Latin America and the Caribbean $3.6 billion.
This year’s GHO adopted a lightened Humanitarian Programme Cycle that further prioritised the number of people targeted to receive aid. In another step forward, nine countries are publishing online documents (or expanded content), and several have merged their Humanitarian Needs Overview and Humanitarian Response Plan into new “Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan” – HNRP – that provides a clear and compelling overview of humanitarian needs and the response strategy. The nine pilot countries are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Ukraine. Their documents can be accessed on Humanitarian Action. The pilots demonstrate the versatility of an online document, for example, being fully searchable, integrating interactive maps and charts – such as a severity of need by region for South Sudan – or providing online annexes to a shortened HNRP, as Somalia.
2023 |
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Requirements (US$)$56.7 billion
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Inter-Agency Appeals Funding (US$)$22.4 billion
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Appeals Coverage40%
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Total Humanitarian Funding (US$)$30.5 billion
Reporting on 2023 funding continues and it reached $22.4 billion, or 40 per cent of requirements, by the end of January 2024. Funding received aimed to assist 245 million people through 36 country plans and 9 regional plans. This was a seven per cent increase in the original number of people targeted for assistance at the beginning of 2023, and was largely driven by the crisis in Sudan, the conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and natural disasters in Afghanistan, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Syria and Türkiye. Almost 128 million (62 per cent) of people targeted in the inter-agency plans benefited from at least one form of aid during the year. (Details on the number of people reached per plan are available here.)
Unfortunately, numerous plans did not receive adequate funding – many even less than last year – which prevented humanitarians from responding. Underfunding has affected all areas of humanitarian action in 2023, leading to cuts in food assistance, inadequate and undignified living conditions, and reduced access to health services. People in need faced a lack of access to vital protection services, fewer educational opportunities for children, and a heightened risk of disease due to under-resourcing of water, sanitation and hygiene.
2023 was the first year since 2010 – 2011 that humanitarian funding declined compared to the previous year. The gap between requirements and funding was also the highest ever at $33.6 billion, which is a 57 per cent increase over last year’s $21.3 billion funding gap. For more details on the funding gap for each plan, see tables on page 7.
Appeals funding gap
Of the 27 HRP countries, 23 experienced a decline in funding from 2022 to 2023. Of these 23, 18 had HRPs with increased requirements, compared to 2022. Thus, although requirements increased, funding actually decreased, making it more difficult for humanitarians to meet the growing needs in a timely manner. Five of the countries whose 2023 financial requirements decreased also experienced funding decreases that were notably disproportionate to the decreased financial ask. Donors and humanitarian partners are encouraged to report both 2023 and 2024 funding to the Financial Tracking Service (FTS). Complete and reliable data is key to underpin financial analyses and advocacy efforts for underfunded crises.
Ukraine HNRP & RRP
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Total Population37.4 million
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People in need16.9 million
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People targeted10.8 million
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RRP$1.08 billion
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HNRP$3.11 billion
Masha: “My grandfather and my grandmother remained in Yampil. My school is there, my friends and my house are there. I want the war to end and that’s it”
OCHA/UNHCR
The war that started in the east of the country in 2014 has now reached its 10-year mark, inflicting immeasurable suffering, causing numerous deaths and massive destruction, putting millions at risk of serious violations and generating grave humanitarian needs. Further, the full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022 sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.
In response to this situation, the Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the Ukraine Situation Regional Response Plan (RRP) were launched in Geneva on 11 January (full recording available here). Together, the activities outlined in the two plans aim to assist 10.8 million people inside Ukraine (8.5 million) and in neighbouring countries (2.3 million). A joint HNRP / RRP summary document outlines the strategic objectives, response strategy, and detailed financial requirements for each plan. Last year’s plans were funded 69 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively.
“Remember #Ukraine? We do. People continue to face death and displacement as homes, hospitals and schools are destroyed. We are asking $3.1 billion in humanitarian funding for 2024.”
-Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
“$4.2 billion are needed in support of war-affected Ukrainians including six million refugees. Russian attacks continue to kill, destroy, displace. Help is needed for Ukrainians to stay resilient. Let us not forget!”
-Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Sudan HNRP & RRP
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Total Population51 million
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People in need27.5 million
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People targeted17.4 million
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Inside Sudan$2.7 billion
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In refugee-hosting countries$1.4 billion
Sahna: “I urge the international community to intervene so that this war should stop. Enough.”
OCHA/UNHCR
After years of protracted crisis, Sudan plunged into a conflict of alarming scale in mid-April 2023 with fierce fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces that expanded into nearly the whole country. The conflict has displaced millions of people to the extent it is now the largest displacement and protection crisis in the world. There seems to be no reprieve in sight for the Sudanese.
In response, the Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024 and the Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan 2024 were launched in Geneva on 7 February 2024 (full recording available here). The activities outlined in the two plans aim to assist 24.8 million people inside Sudan and in neighbouring countries (2.7 million). The
outlines the strategic objectives, response strategy, and detailed financial requirements for each plan. Last year’s plans were funded 43.4 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively.
“We must not forget #Sudan. Almost 10 months of conflict have robbed the people of Sudan of nearly everything”
-Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
“@UN is launching its 2024 humanitarian appeals for Sudan and its refugees. We are asking for $4.1 billion. Last year only 40% was funded. We must do better than that”
-Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees
2024 Appeal Plans
2023 Appeal Plans
Pooled Funds
As of end January 2024, OCHA Pooled Funds allocated $31.7 million to enable partners to respond to humanitarian crises. This included complementary CERF and South Sudan Humanitarian Fund allocations to respond to the dramatic rise in refugees from Sudan. Complementary allocations from CERF and CBPFs were made in the Occupied Palestinan Territory to enable UNRWA and other partners to deliver critical, lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable. In January, CBPFs also launched an allocation in Syria and CERF provided funding to Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Timor-Leste, Mauritania and Zambia.
CENTRAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND
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Month allocations (US$)$22.7 million
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Total allocations (US$)$22.7 million
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Countries assisted with allocations6
as of 31 January
Contributions
For 2024, CERF secured $434 million in funding, compared to $453 million at the same time last year. Given the low level of income secured in 2023 (the lowest since 2018), CERF starts the year with a reduced cash reserve, which will impact the Fund’s response capacity in the coming period, including the first Underfunded Emergencies (UFE) round for 2024, which at at $100 million will be the lowest since 2018.
MONTH ALLOCATIONS
Mauritania ($3 million) (Rapid Response) - On 31 January, the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) allocated $3 million from CERF's rapid response window for life-saving humanitarian activities for 38,000 people, including Malian refugees and host populations.
Mozambique ($1.5 million) (Rapid Response) - The ERC allocated $1.5 million from CERF’s rapid response window for life-saving humanitarian action in response to Mozambique’s worst cholera outbreak in 25 years.
Republic of Congo ($3.6 million) (Rapid Response) - On 17 January, the ERC allocated $3.6 million from CERF's rapid response window for life-saving humanitarian action to support around 270,000 people who have been affected by severe flooding in the Republic of Congo in December 2023. This allocation complements the Government response plan, which requires $26.4 million to address the needs of over 300,000 people.
South Sudan ($10 million) (Rapid Response) - The ERC allocated $10 million to South Sudan to respond to the needs of 260,000 refugees and returnees from Sudan. The funding will contribute to alleviating congestion in transit centers and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases in these areas.
Timor-Leste ($2.1 million) (Rapid Response) -The ERC allocated $2.08 million from the rapid response window, to kick-start the response to implement and scale up anticipatory action activities ahead of the imminent and severe drought and to respond to existing needs. A total of 28,592 people will benefit from these activities.
Zambia ($2.5 million) (Rapid Response) -The Emergency allocated $2.5 million from CERF’s rapid response window, to respond to the current cholera outbreak and to provide humanitarian assistance to affected vulnerable people.
COUNTRY-BASED POOLED FUNDS
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Month Allocations (US$)$12 million
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Total allocations (US$)$12 million
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Countries assisted with allocations3
as of 31 January
Contributions
Total contributions to CBPFs reached $197 million by the end of January, which is well above the $150 million recorded at the same time last year. As part of recorded 2024 income, $150 million were secured in multi-year agreements from ten donors. These predictable and timely contributions remain key for a well-functioning and effective humanitarian response.
Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) ($3.5 million) - The OPT Humanitarian Fund allocated $3.5 million to UNRWA to facilitate delivery of lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable through the procurement of trucks operational at the crossing points, including in Rafah and Kerem Shalom.
South Sudan ($6 million) - The South Sudan Humanitarian Fund is allocating $6 million for life-saving assistance including water, sanitation, nutrition and health services and to facilitate the onward transportation of returnees and refugees to decongest transit areas. This allocation is time-critical in managing the mass displacement and complements earlier allocations, including by CERF, in providing essential services for those displaced.
Syria ($2.5 million) - The Syria Humanitarian Fund is allocating $2.5 million towards the emergency rehabilitation of the water network and pumping stations in Al Bab. Improving the limited functionality of water and sanitation systems in Syria aims to prevent a cholera outbreak.
"South-Sudan Humanitarian Fund remains the most flexible mechanism to support timely and effective humanitarian response in South Sudan."
-Ms. Sara Baysolow Nyanti, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan
Localisation
CBPFs work more and more with local and national Actors (L/NAs) on the delivery of life-saving assistance. In 2023, out of the total $1.1 billion allocated by CBPFs, over $418 million – or almost 40 per cent - went to L/NAs. It is a significant increase compared to the previous years. With the increased focus on localisation, the upwards trend of CBPF funding to L/NAs is expected to continue in 2024.
CBPF Allocations by Organization Type in 2023
The Sudan Humanitarian Fund Impact Story
In conflict and disaster, it is often local organisations who quickly and effectively respond to the needs of their community. Sudan Humanitarian Fund partner HOPE Sudan is one of many such Sudanese organisations.
Since fighting began in April, about 5.25 million people have been newly displaced inside and outside Sudan. They face hunger, a lack of basic supplies, and severe protection risks. Across the country, 24.7 million people need humanitarian assistance.
Central Darfur is hosting about 265,000 displaced people, despite fierce clashes there between Sudan’s warring parties. People who fled conflict elsewhere are living with relatives or within host communities, and basic services – including water and sanitation – are severely stretched.
In Bindisi and Zalingie, HOPE has been working to improve water and sanitation services so that everyone can access safe water. To identify and respond to problems, they established a complaints mechanisms for the community to use. An important outcome of this has been the protection sessions they have conducted, to raise awareness of risks related to gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.
White Nile State is also hosting thousands of people who have fled fighting in Khartoum.
Alongside their work in WASH and protection, HOPE Sudan is providing about 1,000 families there with cash-based transfers. With support from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, people receive cash assistance to help them buy what they need, including food, basic household supplies, or critical medicines.