The United Nations is warning spiraling crises in the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Syria are testing the limits of the global humanitarian system. U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said more than one-in-six Central Africans are now internally displaced due to the violence there. In South Sudan, nearly 200,000 people have been driven from their homes in recent weeks. Amos said the global picture has worsened since last month when she projected a record $12.9 billion would be needed to reach people in more than 50 countries.

Valerie Amos: “Developments in the Central African Republic and South Sudan have already added tens of thousands of people to the list of those who need our help and support. And with the ongoing emergencies in Syria, the Philippines and elsewhere, our collective response capacity and our resources are being stretched to the limit. Millions of people have begun this year internally displaced or as refugees, dependent on humanitarian organizations for a place to sleep, food to eat and for basic healthcare.”

UNICEF, meanwhile, is warning attacks against children have reached unprecedented levels in the Central African Republic with 16 confirmed killed, at least two of them beheaded. Children are being recruited into armed groups and targeted in brutal revenge attacks.