The United Nations has appealed for $20 billion (Rs 1.33 lakh crore) in humanitarian aid for its operations in 2016, out of which $8 billion is expected to go to those affected by the civil war in Syria. The crises in Iraq, Yemen and Syria are also high on the UN’s list of priorities, the BBC reported. The number of people rendered homeless and displaced because of war is the highest it has been since World War 2, officials said.

UN aid chief Stephen O’Brien said human suffering had reached hitherto unknown levels, with nearly 87 million people in need of immediate assistance, and another 30 million people in vulnerable positions, especially those being driven out of their homes. The funds will go out people in 37 countries. Ten years ago, the UN had asked for just $4.7 billion, less than a quarter of this year's demand. Last year, the organisation had received only half the funds they had appealed for, officials said.