U.N. humanitarian officials told the Security Council that the crisis in Myanmar is deepening, with fighting continuing in multiple areas and a marked rise in internal displacement.

The briefing said conflict has driven more than 3.5 million people from their homes, an increase of nearly 1.5 million internally displaced persons compared with the prior year. U.N. speakers said the 2024 humanitarian needs and response plan — described as nearly $1 billion in requirements — was funded at about 36% by the end of 2024. The 2025 humanitarian response plan aims to reach some 5.5 million people and requires approximately $1.1 billion in funding.

The Food and Agriculture Organization reported a decline in the benchmark world food commodity price index in December 2024 and said that, for 2024 as a whole, the index was 2.1% lower than the 2023 average, with declines led by sugar and cereals partly offset by increases for vegetable oils, dairy and meats.

Separately, the U.N. Department of Global Communications opened online nominations for the 2025 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize, awarded every five years to one woman and one man from different geographic regions who have dedicated their lives to service to humanity. Nominations are accepted through Feb. 28, 2025. The prize will be presented in New York at the Nelson Mandela Day commemoration on July 18, 2025.

Tomorrow is World Braille Day, the U.N. noted, observed to raise awareness about Braille and the rights of blind and partially sighted people.

Why it matters: The Myanmar numbers and funding gap indicate expanding humanitarian needs; FAO’s price-index data provide context for food-security planning globally. The Mandela Prize and World Braille Day announcements are routine U.N. communications with scheduled nomination and observance dates.

Provenance: Figures and program dates are drawn from the Security Council briefing transcript and U.N. agency summaries included in that briefing.