UN seeks record $22.5 billion to help 136 million in need
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations has launched a record appeal for $22.5 billion to help some 136 million people across the world in need of humanitarian aid as a result of conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics and displacement.
U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock says the number of needy is about 5 percent higher than the projection at this time last year — and the 2018 appeal is up from the $22.2 billion appeal for 2017.
He told the launch of the appeal in Geneva on Friday that the big drivers of need remain conflict and violence.