humanitarian

UNHCR/Bassam Diab

'We must not let 2017 repeat tragedies of 2016 for Syria' – top UN aid officials

16 January 2017
While efforts to fully implement a ceasefire in Syria continue, senior United Nations humanitarian officials today appealed for immediate, unconditional, and safe access to reach the children and families who are still cut off from relief aid across the Middle Eastern country.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

The vulnerable ‘must be our first priority,’ says Ban, calling on donors to support UN emergency fund

13 December 2016
During the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund's (CERF) High-Level pledging conference for 2017, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon requested, an unprecedented $1 billion by 2018 – a stark increase since its 2005 establishment.
UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

Global humanitarian response affected by lack of funding – senior UN relief official

16 November 2016
Returning from recent visits to Haiti, Sudan and South Sudan, a senior United Nations humanitarian official said that while low funding for aid operations around the world challenge prompt and needed relief, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in conflict-riven South Sudan is the most “alarming.”
WFP

Yemen: UN envoy urges 72-hour extension of ceasefire

22 October 2016
With the 72-hour cessation of hostilities in Yemen coming to an end, the United Nations envoy for Yemen today urged all warring parties to agree to its extension for at least another renewable 72 hours so that humanitarian supplies continue to reach people affected by the ongoing conflict there.
United Nations Orchestra.
UN

Volunteer orchestra looks to hit right note in front of Ban Ki-moon

1 October 2016
General News

An orchestra of volunteer musicians is preparing for its biggest performance yet…in front of an audience of 4,000 people which is set to include UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

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A woman buys dates at the market in the town of Bol on the outskirts of Lake Chad.
OCHA/Pierre Peron

One of world’s worst humanitarian crises “struggling for attention”

23 September 2016
General News

One of world’s worst humanitarian crises underway in the Lake Chad Basin is “struggling for attention” according to the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, Jan Eliasson.

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UNOCHA

Ban calls on global leaders to take forward goals of World Humanitarian Summit

22 September 2016
As the international community continues to work towards achieving the core humanitarian responsibilities agreed to at the World Humanitarian Summit this past May, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today presented a road map to promote accountability for commitments made and report on progress attained.
WFP/Hussam Alsaleh

UN aid chief extremely concerned over evacuation of Syrian town of Darayya, cites need for compliance with humanitarian law

31 August 2016
The top United Nations humanitarian relief official has expressed extreme concern over the recent evacuation of the entire population of the besieged Syrian town of Darayya, following an agreement between representatives of Darayya and the Syrian Government – and highlighted how the move does not comply with international law.

'We have to be the hope' for people most in need, says top UN humanitarian official

18 August 2016
Praising the spirit and drive of relief workers, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, has said the global humanitarian community is determined to not let political disagreements, conflicts or natural disasters get in the way of their ability to help the people who are most in need.
OCHA/Gemma Cortes.

UN aid chief releases $50 million 'lifeline' in emergency funds for people in urgent need

16 August 2016
The top United Nations relief official released today $50 million for severely underfunded aid operations in six neglected emergencies around the world from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which supports urgent, life-saving humanitarian responses.