Humanitarian crises are intensifying across several regions, with the United Nations warning of worsening conditions in Yemen, Somalia and Colombia due to conflict, economic pressures and climate-related disasters.
Yemen: UN appeals for $2 billion to support 12 million people
UN aid teams have warned that the situation in Yemen remains dire, calling for $2 billion to provide lifesaving assistance to 12 million people, including many women and children. The crisis follows more than a decade of conflict between internationally recognized government forces and Houthi fighters who control the capital, Sana’a, alongside recurring epidemics, climate shocks and funding shortages.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 22.3 million people across Yemen require humanitarian assistance and protection services. Among them are 5.2 million internally displaced people, as well as migrants and refugees.
In its 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, OCHA reported that 18.3 million people are acutely food insecure. The situation is particularly alarming for children, with more than 2.2 million under the age of five suffering from acute malnutrition, including over half a million cases classified as severe acute malnutrition. Essential services remain under significant strain, with nearly 40 per cent of health facilities partially functioning or closed, while 14.4 million people need water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.
Somalia: Middle East conflict drives price surge and disrupts aid
The humanitarian situation in Somalia is worsening as rising fuel and commodity prices linked to conflict in the Middle East disrupt aid operations and deepen existing vulnerabilities.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said that the recent surge in fuel and essential goods prices is compounding an already severe crisis and hampering humanitarian efforts. Fuel prices have reportedly jumped from around $0.60 to $1.50 per litre in recent days, largely due to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
OCHA warned that the higher costs are driving up food and water prices while also doubling transport expenses for humanitarian deliveries. Somalia, which imports more than 90 per cent of its essential goods, is also facing delays in shipments of nutrition supplies, medicines and sanitation materials.
The crisis is unfolding alongside a severe drought affecting nearly five million people. Currently, about 6.5 million Somalis face high levels of hunger, and 1.8 million children are acutely malnourished. Funding remains critically low, with only 11 per cent of the $852 million humanitarian appeal received so far.
Colombia: Violence and floods increase humanitarian needs
Humanitarian conditions in Colombia are also deteriorating as armed violence, movement restrictions and climate-related disasters converge.
According to the UN, there is up to a 70 per cent probability of above-normal rainfall in April, increasing the risk of further flooding across parts of the country. Recent floods in Córdoba Department have already triggered emergency responses, with food, cash and hygiene supplies distributed to affected communities.
The humanitarian toll has risen sharply over the past year. Disasters affected around one million people, while violence impacted more than 1.6 million—three times the number recorded the previous year. This includes more than 150,000 people whose movements were restricted and nearly 100,000 who were displaced, the highest levels recorded since monitoring began in 2008.
Humanitarian access remains a challenge, with over 400 incidents reported that hindered relief operations. The UN and its partners are seeking $287 million in funding this year to support 1.2 million people most in need.
