UN warns funding shortfalls imperil Somalia response, highlights crises in Sudan, South Sudan and Ukraine

During the briefing, Spokesperson Steph highlighted multiple ongoing humanitarian crises and looming funding shortfalls. She said the Somalia 2026 humanitarian needs and response plan requests $852,000,000, down 40% from last year, to assist about 2,400,000 people; the reduction reflects constrained resources rather than reduced needs, she said, warning that drought and livelihood collapse risk worsening food insecurity and disease outbreaks.

Steph reported that the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan warned of risks from potential large-scale military operations in Jonglei that could endanger hundreds of thousands of civilians and that escalating hate speech is fuelling ethnic tensions. On Sudan, she cited IOM and refugee-agency figures indicating more than 1,000 people displaced by clashes in parts of South Kordofan between Jan. 20 and Jan. 24, more than 65,000 uprooted across the wider Kordofan region since October, and around 6,500 people crossing into Sudan since early December; partners in Darfur have scaled up vaccinations and water, sanitation and meal services but needs remain high.

On Ukraine, Steph said recent attacks damaged hospitals, shelters and multi-story buildings, leaving many without heating and electricity; UN agencies and NGOs have provided hot meals, tarpaulins and psychosocial support and the humanitarian response requires $2,300,000,000 to support more than 4,000,000 people this year.

Steph warned that past response plans were underfunded (she cited last year's Somalia appeal funded at 27%, forcing cuts to life-saving assistance) and urged donors to step up funding to avoid further erosion of services and protection for civilians.