New York: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will cut 20% of its staff as it faces a shortfall of $60 million, U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher has told staff after OCHA's largest donor - the United States - cut funding.

According to Emirates News Agency, OCHA currently has a workforce of around 2,600 staff in over 60 countries. The funding shortfall means the organization is looking to reduce to around 2,100 staff in fewer locations, as stated by Fletcher in a note to staff. In his communication, Fletcher did not specify which country was responsible for the funding cuts that led to the crisis, but he indicated it was the United States.

OCHA's role includes mobilizing aid, sharing information, supporting aid efforts, and advocating for those in need during crises. The agency relies heavily on voluntary contributions, which have been affected by the recent funding cuts. 'The humanitarian community was already underfunded, overstretched and literally, under attack. Now, we face a wave of brutal cuts,' Fletcher wrote, highlighting that the reductions are due to financial constraints rather than a decrease in humanitarian needs.

Fletcher emphasized the crucial role of the United States in humanitarian aid, noting that it has been the largest humanitarian donor for decades and the biggest contributor to OCHA's programme budget. The U.S. annual contribution of $63 million would have accounted for 20% of OCHA's extrabudgetary resources in 2025.