The world faces an escalating humanitarian crisis in 2026, with 239 million people requiring assistance globally, according to the Global Humanitarian Overview. Of these, humanitarians aim to assist 135 million people with immediate priority on saving 87 million lives [UN Global Issues].

The crisis represents a significant increase from previous years, with humanitarian partners planning to reach 117 million people in 2026 compared to nearly 98 million in 2025. The response includes 29 plans and appeals covering 50 countries, comprising 20 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plans, 3 Flash Appeals, and 6 refugee and migrant response plans [Humanitarianaction.info].

Critical Funding Gap

A stark imbalance between military spending and humanitarian aid highlights global priorities. Defense spending reached $2.7 trillion in 2024, while the entire humanitarian system appealed for just $50 billion—an amount that remained unmet, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC].

This funding shortfall has already forced thousands of humanitarian staff layoffs and dozens of office closures worldwide in 2025, constraining the sector's ability to respond to growing needs [Humanitarianaction.info].

Top Crisis Zones

Sudan leads the list of humanitarian emergencies, with 19.2 million people—40% of the population—facing crisis or worse levels of food insecurity. Over 200,000 people endure catastrophic food insecurity with daily risk of starvation. Competing authorities and hardening frontlines are severing humanitarian access, while attacks on aid workers continue with impunity [International Rescue Committee].

Myanmar faces deepening violence with nearly 90,000 people killed since conflict began in 2021. Civilians confront increasing displacement threats and rising fatalities from airstrikes. Global aid cuts in 2025 have left millions without assistance, particularly affecting women and girls in overcrowded shelters [International Rescue Committee].

Lebanon rounds out the top crisis countries as conflict risk grows amid economic failure, though specific details of current humanitarian needs require further assessment [International Rescue Committee].

Climate Change Impact

Climate change continues intensifying humanitarian crises alongside armed conflicts. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) leads international efforts to coordinate responses to these compound emergencies [UN Global Issues].

Historical Context

Before the current crisis, major humanitarian aid recipients included Yemen ($4.178 billion), Syria ($1.922 billion), and Iraq ($1.086 billion) in 2019. The United States provided the largest contribution through private donations ($5.85 billion), followed by Germany ($2.758 billion) and the United Kingdom ($2.59 billion) [Iberdrola].

Call for Action

Humanitarian organizations emphasize the need for enhanced respect for international humanitarian law, protection of aid workers, and political solutions to end conflicts. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that "humanitarian action can alleviate suffering, but only political solutions can end it" [ICRC].

The crisis underscores the urgent need for increased international cooperation and funding to address what humanitarian experts describe as unprecedented global needs in 2026.