The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned that funding cuts will impact humanitarian assistance in several countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, and Colombia.OCHA said in a statement that the funding shortfall is forcing aid workers to reduce essential support, including health and nutrition services, noting that some organizations have been forced to lay off staff and reduce services, including primary healthcare and treatment for severe emaciation.Funding cuts have affected nearly 70% of health services and 50% of nutrition services in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. With the dry season approaching, it is imperative that the international community increases funding to address worsening food insecurity.OCHA pointed out that the humanitarian response plan for this year requested USD 910 million to provide assistance to 3.6 million people, but only USD 70 million has been secured so far, less than a quarter of its needs.In Burundi, the UNHCR announced that it is facing serious constraints in providing protection services due to a lack of funding. The distribution of dignity kits to nearly 11,000 women and girls has been halted, and family tracing services have been significantly reduced. UNHCR still requires USD 76.5 million to cover its humanitarian response.In Colombia, refugees have also been affected by funding cuts, with UNHCR forced to suspend the distribution of essential relief items such as blankets and hygiene kits, despite ongoing violence, particularly in the Catatumbo region on the border with Venezuela. UNHCR estimates it needs approximately USD 118.3 million to continue its vital operations this year.
