The world is facing biggest food crisis in modern history and famine is lurking, while human rights – especially women’s rights – is being attacked United Nations emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths said tensions were rising in places where there was a lot of injustice. comment to the Riyadh Humanitarian Forum in Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the Secretary-General.
Furthermore, the war in Ukraine is entering its second year and two weeks have passed since the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
Demand is growing
“More than 350 million people around the world are currently in need of humanitarian assistance” he say. “We needed nearly $54 billion to meet the basic needs of those hardest hit among them, but experience has shown that we can only raise half that amount.”
These numbers continue to rise due to three main reasons: protracted conflict, the climate emergency, and the economic fallout from COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine.
As these “super-crises” grow, resources do not keep uphe added.
Strengthen diplomacy
Mr Griffiths highlighted the role of humanitarians in responding to crises, saying their mission and mantra were “we don’t give up”. However, he calls practical and tangible help in carrying out this task.
“To end the wars and conflicts we know and prevent new ones from breaking out, we urgently need a surge in diplomatic efforts” he say.
“We also need solve the problem of climate changebecause every flood, heatwave, drought or hurricane leaves behind a humanitarian crisis.”
Millions of hungry people
Today, humanitarians need more resources to save lives, Griffiths said, sharing some of the “heartbreaking statistics”.
globally, more than 222 million people not knowing when they will eat another meal, and 45 million people, mostly women and childrenare on the verge of starvation.
‘All together’
Last weekend, Secretary General António Guterres announced unprecedented $250 million allocation from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
Mr Griffiths said the money would help act soon, but he appealed to donors scale their support.
“Humanitarian action cannot stand alone. We need everyone to join hands on deck” he say.
“By working together, with political will as your currency at your disposal, we can prevent conflict, address climate emergencies, fight hunger, and be ready for those The next emergency is sure to be lurking.”
