How much do you know about the world’s worst crises?

The number of people in humanitarian need has increased from 81 million in 2014, to 340 million in 2023; 90 percent live in Watchlist countries. 

Why are we seeing these record levels of need? Because the guardrails that once prevented many crises from spiraling out of control—including peace treaties, humanitarian aid, and accountability for violations of international law—are being continuously weakened or dismantled.  

What can be done?

Aid-as-usual will not address the severe challenges revealed by Watchlist. In addition to providing urgent assistance, the IRC is advocating for solutions to break ongoing cycles of conflict and devastation. We are calling on world leaders to take action to provide long-term solutions.

For the first time, Somalia tops the list (with Ethiopia and Afghanistan second and third, respectively) of countries most at risk of deteriorating humanitarian crises in 2023. For the full list, click here.

Somalia is facing the worst drought it has seen in 40 years. Over 300,000 people are experiencing the most severe form of food insecurity and the country is on the brink of famine. But this is no “natural disaster.” Human-caused climate change has increased the frequency and severity of droughts, and three decades of conflict have severely weakened critical institutions.

Somalia now produces less than half as much food as it did before three decades of conflict disrupted its agricultural sector. With food production further decimated by climate change and conflict, Somalia’s growing dependence on imports has been disastrous. 

In 2023, armed conflict will remain the key factor putting Somalis at risk. 

How is the IRC helping in Somalia?

The IRC has worked in Somalia since 1981, providing health, nutrition, and water and sanitation services, as well as cash assistance and support for women’s protection and empowerment. We are scaling up our programs to address drought and rising food insecurity, expanding to new areas to meet severe needs.

The war in Ukraine has created the fastest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II.  Around 6 million Ukrainians have been displaced inside the country, while 8 million more are refugees across Europe.  The IRC launched an emergency response to the war in February 2022, working with local partners in Ukraine, Poland and Moldova to reach the most vulnerable by providing essential items, cash assistance, improved access to health care, and safe spaces for women and children.

For more on how the IRC is helping Ukrainian refugees, click here.

Ethiopia is heading toward its sixth consecutive failed rainy season, which would prolong a drought already affecting 24 million people. The situation puts Ethiopia as No. 2 on our 2023 Watchlist.

Ongoing conflict is preventing humanitarian organizations from delivering lifesaving aid to 35 million in need. While a November 2022 peace deal may hold and offers hope, further violence will mean loss of life.

How is the IRC helping?

Since 2000, the IRC has provided a wide range of assistance for Ethiopian communities throughout the country that have been affected by drought, flooding, conflict and COVID-19. Learn more about the IRC’s Ethiopia response.

Afghanistan ranked No. 1 on the 2022 Watchlist but dropped down for 2023—not because conditions have improved, but because the situation in East Africa is so severe. 

The country has continued its economic collapse under Taliban rule. Almost the entire population—97 per cent—is now living in poverty as the long winter continues.

Find out more here.

Of people displaced worldwide, women, girls and members of LGBTQI+ communities are hit hardest. For instance, an estimated 80 percent of people displaced by climate change are women and girls, reflecting the reality that women more often depend on livelihoods such as agriculture. These populations also face a growing gap between their needs and the support provided. 

A decade ago, humanitarian operations were underfunded by $3 billion. In 2022, the gap had grown to a staggering $27 billion. Without aid, the most vulnerable face a heightened risk of gender-based violence, child marriage and labor, and exploitation and abuse as resources become scarce.

What can be done?

Women and other vulnerable populations should have priority in all aspects of humanitarian responses—from national health systems to social safety nets to the distribution of vaccines. Read about the IRC’s recommendations in our 2023 Watchlist.

While conflict remains the key concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country has suffered repeated major disease outbreaks, including Ebola outbreaks (two outbreaks reported in 2022) and a resurgence of bubonic plague (confirmed in Ituri in April 2022).

The country’s chronically weak health system struggles to contain recurrent outbreaks of preventable or treatable diseases, such as cholera, malaria and measles. Ineffective community engagement has led to distrust of government employees and health professionals, making the sick less likely to seek treatment.

How is the IRC helping?

The IRC has operated in Congo since 1996. In recent years, we have launched emergency responses to contain Ebola, including the latest outbreak in eastern DRC. The IRC’s response to COVID-19, Ebola and other health crises includes training health workers, rehabilitating hospitals and clinics, and providing essential medicine. Learn more about the IRC’s DRC response.