The global humanitarian landscape in 2026 presents an unprecedented challenge, with 239 million people requiring assistance worldwide as conflicts, displacement, and natural disasters continue to devastate vulnerable populations across multiple regions.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview, humanitarian organizations aim to assist 135 million people out of those in need, with an immediate priority to save 87 million lives [UN.org]. The response covers 29 plans and appeals spanning 50 countries, representing a significant increase from previous years.

Sudan Tops Crisis List

Sudan faces the world's most severe humanitarian emergency, with 33.7 million people requiring assistance—a 10% increase from the previous year. The Sudanese Civil War, entering its fourth year in April 2026, has more than doubled humanitarian needs since 2022 [Concern.net]. The crisis has displaced 11.8 million people, with famine conditions first confirmed in 2024 continuing to threaten millions.

"Violence and siege warfare have pushed 19.2 million people, 40 percent of the population, into crisis or worse levels of food insecurity," according to humanitarian analysts [Rescue.org]. The situation is further complicated by warring parties restricting aid access, making Sudan the third most dangerous country for aid workers globally.

Ukraine's Prolonged Conflict

Ukraine remains among the top humanitarian priorities, with 10.8 million people requiring assistance four years after Russia's full-scale invasion began. The conflict has displaced 9.6 million Ukrainians and requires $2.31 billion in humanitarian funding for 2026 [Concern.net]. Damaged infrastructure and prolonged displacement continue to intensify needs across the country and beyond its borders.

Afghanistan's Deepening Crisis

Afghanistan faces a complex humanitarian emergency as millions of Afghans return from neighboring countries into a nation already struggling with poverty and a collapsing humanitarian system [UNHCR]. The crisis is compounded by international funding cuts and limited access for humanitarian organizations.

Funding Challenges

A critical factor worsening these crises is the decline in international funding. Global aid cuts in 2025 left millions without humanitarian assistance, with thousands of humanitarian staff laid off and tens of offices closed worldwide [Humanitarianaction.info]. This funding shortfall particularly affects vulnerable groups, including women and girls in overcrowded shelters who face increased risks of violence and trafficking.

Broader Regional Impacts

Other significant crises demanding attention include the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern region, where escalating violence continues displacing communities, and Myanmar, where nearly 90,000 people have been killed since 2021's conflict began [UNHCR]. The Central Sahel region, encompassing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, also faces ongoing violence and instability driving mass displacement.

Humanitarian organizations emphasize that these ten worst-affected countries, home to just 12% of the global population, account for 89% of global humanitarian need [Rescue.org]. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustained international attention and funding to address what many consider the most challenging humanitarian landscape in recent history.