Caritas Internationalis at UNGA: Aid cuts put millions at risk as humanitarian needs reach record levels

Caritas Internationalis is calling on world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly to increase humanitarian funding and reverse cuts to overseas development assistance. Secretary General Alistair Dutton stated that approximately 350 million people worldwide require urgent, life-saving assistance this year. He noted that while the United Nations 87 Million Lives appeal targets those with the most severe needs, it represents only a fraction of the 300 million people in urgent need of aid.

Dutton urged governments to restore development spending to 0.7% of gross national income and to fully fund the United Nations appeal. He argued that investing in peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian aid helps prevent conflict, reduces terrorism, and limits forced displacement. The organization also advocates for placing local communities at the center of global crisis responses to help people remain safely in their home lands.