OCHA publishes Annual Report for 2024

Published today, the 2024 Annual Report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) covers a daunting year for millions of people – and the deadliest for the humanitarian system.

Conflicts and unrest flared in places such as Haiti, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, displacing families, destroying homes and pushing fragile communities to breaking point.

The climate crisis added fuel to the fire. From floods and droughts to hurricanes and heatwaves, extreme weather was a key driver of humanitarian needs.

2024 was also the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers: 377 killed, most in Gaza.

“Their deaths were unconscionable and devastating to aid operations,” writes Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, in the report’s Foreword. “There must be accountability, for their sake and for those who take their place.”

Despite these immense challenges, and with donors’ generous support, OCHA reached 116 million people in 33 countries with life-saving aid, working closely with UN agencies and more than 2,000 partners.

Looking ahead, USG Fletcher said: “Brutal funding cuts will set us back, and we’re working hard to reset the system to this new reality.”