We reported in May that the UN is facing a worsening cash crisis that threatens its ability to carry out vital work on delivering aid to the poorest people in the world. By 16 June the UN had received only 13 percent of the $44 billion it requires to deliver urgently needed aid around the world.

Why is this? Because, in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, countries such as the UK are assigning more of their limited resources to defence instead international aid. The United States – historically the largest aid contributor – has slashed foreign aid under the administration of President Donald Trump.

As a result, in a “hyper-prioritised” appeal the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has reduced the demand to just $29 billion in funding for aid. “The math is cruel,” he said “and the consequences are heart-breaking. Too many people will not get the support they need, but we will save as many lives as we can with the resources we are given.”

More than 300 million people globally need humanitarian assistance and protection. Nearly 180 million vulnerable people in more than 70 countries are most in need of aid. “Brutal funding cuts leave us with brutal choices,” Fletcher said. “All we ask is 1 per cent of what you chose to spend last year on war. But this isn’t just an appeal for money – it’s a call for global responsibility, for human solidarity, for a commitment to end the suffering.”