United Nations Radio

The overall demand for humanitarian assistance would continue to rise as the number of climate-related disasters increase and growing food insecurity exacerbate existing crises.

That assessment comes from the UN humanitarian chief John Holmes in a statement to the humanitarian segment of the current session of the UN Economic and Social Council.

Holmes says around the world, too many of the long running conflicts and the ensuing humanitarian crises show no sign of abating.

He says in Darfur, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Gaza and Iraq, problems caused by continuing conflict are further exacerbated by environmental pressures and the rise of food insecurity.

"These needs are genuine and they are huge. And this overall crisis is, I fear still only in its early stages."

Holmes suggests the international community must act immediately and in a unified manner to respond to the current food emergency and ensure increased agricultural productivity.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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