Content_paragraphs:  The humanitarian situation remains dire, with 5.9 million people in need of 
  
  assistance. The persistent security crisis has led to an increase in the number of 
  
  internally displaced persons, from 332,000 to 346,864, over the reporting period, 
  
  56 per cent of whom are women and 61 per cent children. Conflict spreading into 
  
  parts of southern Mali and attacks against civilians have put a severe strain on 
  
  communities, resulting in greater population movements and an increased need for 
  
  
  
   
  S/2021/519 
  
   
  
  13/20 21-06729 
  
   
  
  humanitarian assistance. As at 14 April, only 14.3 per cent of the required 
  
  $563 million requested through the humanitarian response plan has been received.