This year’s United Nations (UN) ‘appeal’ document represents the largest call for funds to date - US$12.9 billion, an increase of US$4.4 billion on last year. This was largely due to the enormous needs in Syria, where US$6.5 billion is required to meet the needs of Syrians inside the country and of refugees in neighbouring countries. There are also marked increases in requirements for the Central African Republic (CAR), and for the Philippines following typhoon Haiyan.