12 April - OCHA cuts staff, UNFPA Chief steps down, Attacks continue in Myanmar on quake affected population, China warns that US tariffs may trigger humanitarian crises
OCHA to Cut 20% of Humanitarian Staff Amid Funding Shortfall
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will reduce its workforce by 20%—about 500 staff—due to a $58 million budget gap, largely stemming from the loss of U.S. support. The cuts will affect operations in several crisis-affected countries including Libya, Colombia, and Iraq.
UNFPA Chief to Step Down Before Term Ends
Natalia Kanem, the head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will leave her position several months ahead of schedule. The organization has not disclosed reasons for the early departure.
UN Condemns Ongoing Attacks in Myanmar Following Earthquake
The United Nations has strongly condemned Myanmar’s military for continuing airstrikes and artillery shelling in western Rakhine State, even in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The UN warns that these attacks are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation and obstructing relief efforts to affected civilians.
China Warns WTO that U.S. Trade Measures may create humanitarian crises in developing countries
China's commerce minister warned that recent U.S. tariffs could trigger a humanitarian crisis, particularly harming developing nations. He criticized the U.S. for politicizing trade and undermining multilateral economic frameworks.
11 April – Surge in child rape in eastern DRC, U.S. aid cuts worsen Yemen crisis, Tariffs could have devastating impact on poorest countries.
A UNICEF report warns that a child is reportedly raped every 30 minutes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with over 3,000 violations recorded so far in 2024 as funding shortfalls compound the crisis.
Amnesty International condemned the U.S. for abruptly slashing humanitarian aid to Yemen, saying the decision undermines fragile services and puts millions of lives at risk.
The head of the UN trade agency, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, warned that escalating U.S.-China tariffs could have a "catastrophic" impact on developing countries, potentially shrinking global trade by up to 7% and disproportionately affecting low-income nations like Bangladesh, Lesotho, and Cambodia.
11 April – Surge in child rape in eastern DRC, U.S. aid cuts worsen Yemen crisis, UN Security Council deadlocked on Gaza ceasefire.
A UNICEF report warns that a child is reportedly raped every 30 minutes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with over 3,000 violations recorded so far in 2024 as funding shortfalls compound the crisis.
Amnesty International condemned the U.S. for abruptly slashing humanitarian aid to Yemen, saying the decision undermines fragile services and puts millions of lives at risk.
The UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as vetoes and abstentions highlighted ongoing divisions among major powers.
10 April - ICJ hears Sudan's case against UAE, Israel closes UNWRA schools, time for a woman to lead the UN?
The International Court of Justice has begun hearings in Sudan’s case accusing the United Arab Emirates of violating the Genocide Convention by allegedly providing arms and support to the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur.
Israel has ordered a 30-day closure of all UNRWA-run schools in East Jerusalem, following raids and accusations that the agency’s education materials promote incitement—charges UNRWA strongly denies.
A Nature editorial argues that the time has come for the United Nations to appoint its first female Secretary-General, emphasizing the need for gender equality and bold leadership amid growing global crises.
9 April – States weigh child labor rollbacks, humanitarian sector urged to reinvent, Jenin crisis deepens.
Several U.S. states are considering easing child labor restrictions to address labor shortages, prompting concern over potential risks to minors and long-standing worker protections.
In response to shrinking aid budgets and rising needs, the development sector must radically reinvent itself, according to Devex, which calls for new funding models and more adaptive, locally driven approaches.
The Israeli military offensive in Jenin has entered its 79th consecutive day, with nearly 21,000 Palestinians displaced and homes destroyed, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank.
8 April
The Yale Budget Lab assesses how 2025 U.S. tariffs have affected government revenue, economic growth, and income distribution. (John Gilmartin)
UNICEF-supported solar wells in Ukraine’s Kherson region aim to ensure water supply and energy independence for thousands affected by war.
A commentary in The New Humanitarian argues that capitalism has undermined humanitarianism by prioritizing growth and competition over collaboration and values.
New Israeli NGO guidelines risk deterring critical international aid groups from operating in Palestinian territories.
An Opinio Juris article explores how the failure to enforce humanitarian law in Palestine reflects deeper international legal paralysis.
The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab has resumed its work at least temporarily after federal support briefly stopped. The Lab now will move its dataset to Europe. The Lab among other work had documented forced deportations of Ukrainian children.
UNICEF called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians in Ukraine after a missile strike killed at least nine children in Kryvyi Rih (UNICEF statement).
On WHO Day the agency highlighted threats to women and girls and reported that 300,000 women continue to die during pregnancy or childbirth each year. (WHO).
WHO released new data on maternal mortality trends, showing global progress has stalled in many regions since 2015 (WHO maternal mortality report).
A Middle East Monitor piece argues the humanitarian paradigm enables genocide, particularly in Gaza, by avoiding direct political accountability (Humanitarian paradigm critique).
Yemen is at risk of becoming the next major humanitarian crisis, worsened by U.S. airstrikes and stalled aid access (Yemen crisis report).
6 April
UNICEF announced the closure of 21 malnutrition treatment centers in Gaza due to funding shortages, cutting critical support for children in need (UNICEF Gaza closures).
False claims and toxic rumors are putting UN peacekeepers at risk, fueling mistrust and endangering missions worldwide (UN troops at risk)
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