UN humanitarian operations scale back staff amid funding crisis
- OCHA is reducing its staff by 20% due to severe funding shortfalls.
- The agency will cut operations in Pakistan and other affected countries.
- The funding crisis reflects broader challenges in the humanitarian sector and necessitates OCHA's reorganization.
In Pakistan, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced in early April 2025 that it would reduce its workforce by 20%, impacting over 2,000 employees. This decision resulted from a funding crisis that has left OCHA facing a nearly $60 million shortfall, compelling the organization to scale back operations in multiple countries, including Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Turkiye, and Zimbabwe. The announcement was communicated through a letter by OCHA’s head, Tom Fletcher, who explained that these cuts are part of broader austerity measures implemented since February to counteract financial challenges the agency has faced. The funding cuts are largely attributed to changes in U.S. humanitarian policy, notably under the Trump administration, which initiated significant reductions in financing for international aid programs. OCHA had previously depended on the U.S. as its largest donor, contributing roughly 20% to its extra-budgetary resources, crucial for humanitarian operations across the globe. As humanitarian needs continue to escalate, the organization is under pressure to adjust its operational model, making efforts to be less bureaucratic and more responsive to crises on the ground. Fletcher expressed concern for the worsening humanitarian landscape, indicating that the existing funding shortfalls have exacerbated challenges for aid organizations already overstretched and facing hostility in conflict zones. The cuts in funding have sparked fears among local and international aid organizations about their ability to continue delivering life-saving support to those in urgent need, compelling OCHA to rethink its focus and resource allocation. The restructuring will lead to reduced senior positions and a shift towards community-based decision-making. Fletcher aims to create a more agile organization capable of effectively responding to different local crises while ensuring adequate budget distribution between operational and administrative functions. This new approach highlights OCHA's resolve to adapt to challenging conditions while maintaining a commitment to humanitarian principles and effective service delivery.