France, June 16 -- Millions of vulnerable people face heightened risk after the UN announced it would scale back aid programmes amid unprecedented global funding cuts.OCHA chief Tom Fletcher called for more solidarity to prevent needless suffering.

The United Nations has announced it is drastically scaling back its global humanitarian operations due to what it describes as the most severe funding shortfall in its history - a move that could leave tens of millions without crucial support.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed on Monday that it now seeks $29 billion (€25 billion) in funding for 2025, a significant drop from the $44 billion originally requested in December.

The pared-down appeal ...