OCHA announced a 20% reduction in its 2,600 staff operating in over 60 countries due to a nearly $60 million funding shortfall, blaming drastic cuts from its largest donor, the United States. The agency’s leadership has publicly criticized the funding retrenchments while restructuring its operations to focus more on frontline humanitarian efforts.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced significant layoffs of approximately 500 staff members (20% of its workforce) and scaling back operations in nine countries to address a nearly $60 million funding shortfall for 2025. These drastic measures may undermine worker rights and diminish the agency's capacity to deliver essential humanitarian aid.

At a press briefing on March 12, 2025, Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher highlighted the severe funding cuts, particularly from US sources, that threaten to constrain humanitarian aid globally. Fletcher outlined the challenges in scaling back operations, the tough choices ahead for prioritizing life-saving efforts, and efforts to engage politically with donor states and regional partners to secure funding and maintain efficient aid delivery.

OCHA released its Annual Report for 2023, detailing extensive humanitarian operations in crisis areas around the world, including responses to natural disasters and conflicts. The report emphasizes a commitment to prioritizing marginalized communities and acknowledges the dedication of national staff and local humanitarian workers.

The 2023 annual report details the agency's extensive efforts in coordinating humanitarian aid across multiple crises—from earthquakes and prolonged conflicts in Syria to devastating cyclones and climate emergencies—underscoring its commitment to support and protect vulnerable communities.

OCHA released its Annual Report for 2023 on June 5, 2024, documenting the year’s humanitarian challenges—ranging from natural disasters to conflicts—and detailing efforts to assist millions of vulnerable people worldwide. The report emphasizes prioritizing marginalized communities in crisis responses, reinforcing international humanitarian cooperation and progressive action.