UN releases $160 million for twelve of the world's most underfunded crises
2 October 2026
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released $160 million for twelve of the most underfunded crises in the world, of which $150 million came from the Central Emergency Response Fund.
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher said money alone would not be enough and that leaders must open access and remove obstacles.
Five of the twelve crises are Afghanistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen.
Unlocking access in the ten contexts flagged by the relief chief would open the way to assistance for 11 million people.
A further $10 million is set aside for people with disabilities in the same twelve crises.
The General Assembly created the fund in 2005, and it has since channelled some $10.2 billion in more than 117 countries and territories, with an annual funding target of $1 billion.
In plain words
CERF Central Emergency Response Fund — A UN pooled fund that releases money quickly for sudden or neglected emergencies.
OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs — The UN Secretariat office that coordinates international relief and manages CERF.