AP: U.N.: Pandemic to fan surge in humanitarian needs in 2021
“The U.N. humanitarian office says needs for assistance have ballooned to unprecedented levels this year because of COVID-19, projecting that a staggering 235 million people will require help in 2021. This comes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and global challenges including conflicts, forced migration, and the impact of global warming…” (12/1).

Devex: 2021 will be the ‘bleakest and darkest’ yet for humanitarian needs
“The anticipated humanitarian needs for 2021 represent the ‘bleakest and darkest perspective’ that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has ever presented, according to U.N. emergency chief Mark Lowcock. The U.N. humanitarian response system is seeking a record-setting $35.1 billion to reach more than 235 million people — or 1 in 33 people worldwide who now require lifesaving assistance, as per the findings of the latest ‘Global Humanitarian Overview 2021‘…” (Lieberman, 12/1).

U.N. News: U.N. appeals for $35 billion to help world’s ‘most vulnerable and fragile’ in 2021
“…Echoing Mr. Lowcock’s call for global solidarity, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged the world to ‘stand with people in their darkest hour of need,’ as the global pandemic continues to worsen. Although the humanitarian system had delivered food, medicines, shelter, education, and other essentials to tens of millions of people ‘the crisis is far from over,’ the U.N. chief insisted in a statement…” (12/1).

Washington Post: The trickle-down tragedies of the pandemic
“…A new joint report put out Monday by the U.N.’s refugee agency and the Norwegian Refugee Council found that millions of people may not receive the aid they need because of insufficient funding. Of some 54 million internally displaced people targeted for assistance by humanitarian nonprofits, international organizations, and U.N. agencies, the report predicts that almost 40 million could miss out. In 2020, humanitarian ‘protection’ efforts by these organizations received less than 25 percent of their required resources, compared to an estimated 38 percent between 2013 and 2019. That shortfall may have devastating, incalculable effects…” (Tharoor, 12/1).