The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported on Thursday that global humanitarian crises are expected to worsen in 2024 due to climate change, escalating armed conflicts, increasing debt burdens, and diminishing international support. The IRC, which is a non-governmental organization focused on providing humanitarian aid and international development and is based in New York, pointed out that 20 countries, primarily in Africa, are at the highest risk for deteriorating humanitarian conditions next year.
During the current year, the number of individuals needing humanitarian assistance worldwide rose to 300 million, while the number of those forced to flee their homes increased to 110 million. Sudan topped the IRC’s emergency watchlist, followed by the Occupied Palestinian Territories and South Sudan. Nine more countries from sub-Saharan Africa, along with Myanmar and Afghanistan in Asia; Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen in the Middle East; Ukraine in Europe; Ecuador in South America and Haiti in the Caribbean region are also included in the list.
According to the IRC, these 20 regions comprise approximately 10% of the world’s population but represent 86% of the global humanitarian needs and 70% of displaced individuals. They are increasingly suffering from extreme poverty and are exposed to climate-related risks. Gaza has been cited as the most dangerous place for civilians in the world in the 2024 list.
Sudan, which was not previously included, has emerged at the top of the list as its widespread wars attract “minimal international attention.” In contrast, the Gaza Strip enters the 2024 list, being deemed the most dangerous place for civilian life in the world.
The IRC noted that while some African countries are experiencing rapid improvements in living standards, conflicts, coup d’états, and poverty are rising at “alarmingly high rates,” and the El Niño phenomenon threatens with extreme weather conditions.
Ecuador, home to many Venezuelan refugees, has made its first appearance on the list due partly to surging rates of violent crime, which the state attributes largely to drug trafficking. This has exacerbated the economic impacts of the pandemic and heightened climate risks.
In Haiti, nearly half the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, and the IRC commented that it is “unlikely” that United Nations efforts to support the police in combating armed gangs will significantly improve the condition next year.
