A staggering 239 million people worldwide require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection as 2026 begins, marking what experts describe as a breaking point for global humanitarian systems.
According to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, the current crisis stems from "entrenched conflicts that are more violent against civilians and lasting longer than at any time since World War Two, and a climate crisis that is escalating unabated" [Humanitarian Action]. The scale of suffering extends far beyond these headline figures, with over 1.1 billion people facing acute multi-dimensional poverty across 109 countries.
Conflict Drives Unprecedented Displacement
Conflict remains the primary driver of humanitarian need globally, causing widespread death, displacement, and hunger. The Sudan conflict alone has displaced 11.5 million people, including four million who have fled to neighboring countries, making it the world's largest displacement crisis [The New Humanitarian]. In Myanmar, nearly 90,000 people have died since fighting began in 2021, with civilians facing increasing threats from airstrikes and explosive weapons [International Rescue Committee].
The International Committee of the Red Cross warns of "four converging trends pushing the world toward deeper instability and human suffering," noting that respect for international humanitarian law is weakening as military objectives increasingly take precedence over civilian protection [ICRC].
Women and Children Bear Disproportionate Impact
The crisis particularly affects vulnerable populations. More than 400 million children globally live in poverty, lacking access to at least two basic daily needs such as nutrition and sanitation [Humanitarian Action]. Current projections indicate that over 351 million women and girls could remain in extreme poverty by the decade's end if trends continue unchanged.
Funding Shortfalls Hamper Response
Despite escalating needs, humanitarian funding faces severe constraints. Global aid cuts in 2025 have left millions without assistance, with particular impacts on women and girls in overcrowded shelters who face increased risks of violence, trafficking, and early marriage [International Rescue Committee].
Historically, the United States has been the largest humanitarian donor through private contributions, providing €5.85 billion in 2019, followed by Germany (€2.758 billion) and the United Kingdom (€2.59 billion) [Iberdrola]. However, current funding levels remain insufficient to meet growing demands.
Climate Change Compounds Crises
Climate-related disasters increasingly intersect with conflict to create complex emergencies. The research identifies both conflict and climate change as "man-made" drivers of humanitarian needs that "could be reversed with concerted and collective action" [Humanitarian Action].
Looking Forward
The International Rescue Committee's Emergency Watchlist, which has accurately predicted 85-95% of worsening humanitarian crises over the past decade, highlights 20 countries at risk in 2026. These nations, representing just 12% of global population, account for 89% of global humanitarian need [International Rescue Committee].
As ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric warns: "War without limits equals suffering without end" [ICRC]. The challenge facing the international community is addressing these interconnected crises while strengthening humanitarian systems and protecting civilian populations caught in conflicts they did not create.