The United Nations has announced significant reductions in its humanitarian aid operations in Somalia and Yemen, citing a major decline in financial support from member states — a move that could endanger millions of lives globally.
Speaking on Friday, UN officials said the scale-back is part of broader adjustments to humanitarian priorities due to shrinking donor contributions. Similar measures have recently been adopted for relief efforts in Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In Yemen, the UN initially appealed for $2.4 billion to assist 10.5 million people in 2025 — already well below the 19.5 million individuals identified as in need. However, with resources falling short, the UN has now adjusted its focus to reaching 8.8 million people with a reduced budget of $1.4 billion, according to UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay.
Somalia has seen even steeper cuts. An original $1.4 billion plan to support 4.6 million people has been scaled back to just $367 million, targeting only 1.3 million of the most vulnerable.
“These reductions do not reflect a decrease in humanitarian needs,” Tremblay emphasized. “On the contrary, the needs remain severe, but without sufficient funding, we are being forced to limit operations — putting millions of lives at risk.”
She warned that the consequences of underfunding could be devastating: “If we fail to deliver, millions more will face acute hunger, and will be left without access to clean water, education, protection, and essential health services.”
UN agencies worldwide are now downsizing programs and reducing staff as they adjust to diminished funding, especially following cuts from key donors, including the United States. The UN continues to urge international partners to increase their support in order to meet rising global humanitarian needs.