Tehran: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees stated that funding shortfalls are forcing organizations to reduce essential support and assistance, including health and nutrition services. Some organizations have also been forced to lay off staff and reduce services.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the UN office warned of the impact of funding cuts on the provision of humanitarian aid in several countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, and Colombia. The cuts have also affected nearly 70% of health services and 50% of nutrition services in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

UN agencies called for the international community to increase its funding to address worsening food insecurity, especially as the dry season approaches. They noted that they and their partners are facing critical constraints in providing protection services in Burundi due to a significant funding shortfall.

In Colombia, UNHCR noted that refugees there are also being affected by funding cuts, adding that as funding dries up, UNHCR is being forced to suspend essential services, threatening to undo years of progress.

In the conflict-ridden Catatumbo region along the border with Venezuela, UNHCR has been forced to halt the distribution of essential relief items such as mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and other essentials.

UNHCR revealed that it needs $118.3 million to continue its vital work this year.