The $33 billion Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) 2026 was launched on Monday with the goal of reaching 135 million people across 50 countries. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized that the appeal prioritizes saving lives, stating that the focus must be on providing aid “life by life.”
The appeal comes after a challenging year marked by significant cuts to humanitarian operations and a record number of attacks on aid workers. It includes 29 detailed response plans, with the largest for the Occupied Palestinian Territory at $4.1 billion to assist around three million people. Sudan requires $2.9 billion to deliver lifesaving aid to 20 million internally displaced individuals, along with $2 billion for seven million refugees who have fled the country. Syria’s regional plan is the largest, requesting $2.8 billion to support 8.6 million people.
Fletcher highlighted the severe consequences of underfunding, noting that the 2025 appeal received only $12 billion—the lowest level in a decade—leaving 25 million people without assistance. Shortfalls resulted in rising hunger, strained health systems, program cuts protecting women and girls, closures of hundreds of aid organizations, and over 380 aid worker deaths, the highest on record.
He also underscored the extreme risks faced by humanitarians, describing them as “overstretched, underfunded and under attack,” and noting that only 20 percent of appeals are typically funded. Humanitarian workers continue to face violence while trying to deliver life-saving assistance in crisis zones.
Over the next 87 days, the UN will present the appeal to Member States, urging their financial and protective support. Countries will be asked not only to fund relief efforts but also to ensure accountability for attacks on aid workers and prevent further harm to humanitarian personnel.
