Humanitarian updates from Syria, Gaza, Haiti and Myanmar, and launch of UN Climate Relief platform

Here are this week's top humanitarian news and stories:

Syria humanitarian update

The situation in Syria remains volatile following the collapse of the Assad government. Hostilities continue in many parts of the country.

Displacement is widespread, with ongoing reports of civilian deaths and injuries. Minefields pose a grave risk as people continue to move through dangerous areas.

Hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of trauma cases.

Food shortages are being reported in major cities and prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed.

Aid must continue to flow and critical services must be sustained.

Learn more

A global climate-disaster safety net is only a “What if?” away

“What If?” is a new short film (watch here) on getting ahead of climate disasters.

It reflects on key moments of collective action throughout history, inspiring us to stand with those least responsible, yet most affected by the climate crisis. It challenges all of us by asking:

What if we turned climate anxiety into action that saves lives?        

Climate change is hitting harder and faster, devastating communities least responsible for the crisis. Yet, the support they receive is often too little, too late.

“What if?” is part of a broader campaign in partnership with award-winning climate impact media platform WaterBear to highlight this injustice.

It introduces UN Climate Relief — an initiative by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) — as a powerful way for anyone to take meaningful action. Together, we can show the world that we care about the human toll of the climate crisis.

2025 Humanitarian Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The United Nations and partners are calling for $4.07 billion to help 3 million people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank next year.

Actual needs are greater, but to respond at the required scale and support people requiring urgent assistance:

• All impediments to the entry and movement of aid must be lifted.
• Humanitarian operations must be facilitated.
• Full compliance with international humanitarian law is required.

Hear from humanitarians on the ground:

Haiti situation update

Nearly half of Haiti’s population is facing acute hunger.

In the capital, Port-au-Prince, increasing violence continues to upend livelihoods and daily life.

Agricultural production, transport, and supply chains have been disrupted, driving a steady increase in the cost of food.

Children are the most impacted by the persistent insecurity.

More updates

Stories of resilience from Myanmar

Myanmar faces a deepening humanitarian crisis that has spiraled since the February 2021 military takeover.

See post for more stories

With armed conflict sweeping across the country, civilians fear for their lives. Their coping capacities are stretched to the limit.

“The escalating conflict in Myanmar has exacerbated already severe needs for millions of people. It is driving surging displacement, risking the lives of civilians, limiting access to basic services and creating deep food insecurity. We are now seeing the crisis have an impact on the region and beyond as it spreads into neighbouring countries.” – Edem Wosornu , OCHA’s Director of Operations and Advocacy

Taking action is not a choice, it’s an urgent necessity.

Continue reading

Today is International Day of Neutrality!

Humanitarians never take sides, no matter the hostility, challenges or demands. They have no other purpose than to save and protect lives.

Neutrality is one of the four core humanitarian principles, along with Humanity, Impartiality and Independence. Take a closer look at what they each mean – here.

Donors pledge their support for UN’s Emergency Fund

The high-level pledging event for UNCERF showcased the fund’s achievements and role in alleviating the suffering of those most in need by enabling swift, flexible and life-saving humanitarian action.

It provided an opportunity for Member States and partners to express their solidarity by allocating additional funding for the year and announcing pledges for 2025. 45 donors pledged US$351 million for the coming year, with others expecting to make contributions in the months ahead.

Watch video

See full remarks by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

Did you know that, so far in 2024, UNCERF has allocated over $535 million to support millions of people in urgent need of assistance across 42 countries?        

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