THE normalisation of human-rights violations and a lack of political solutions to escalating global conflicts are causing “unspeakable human suffering”, more than 100 humanitarian organisations have warned.
The UN Global Humanitarian Overview 2025 was launched in Geneva on 4 December. It finds that 305.1 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, but that just 189.5 million people have been reached by more than 2000 aid partners. The report points to conflict and climate change as the main drivers of humanitarian crises.
In a statement issued in response to the publication of the report, a group of 109 humanitarian organisations, led by World Vision, say: “We are witnessing unspeakable human suffering due to the proliferation of conflicts lacking political solutions and the normalization of IHL [international humanitarian law] violations.
“Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, the bombing of schools and hospitals, and the use of starvation and sexual violence as methods of warfare are devastating communities worldwide. Climate shocks, economic fragility, and protracted conflict are exacerbating humanitarian needs, leading to unprecedented levels of displacement and an escalating global hunger crisis.”
The organisations urge stakeholders to “turn the tide” and prioritise humanitarian funding early in the new year. Other signatories to the statement include Christian Aid, Lutheran World Federation, Jesuit Refugee Service, Caritas, and Care International.
The UN report states that 78 per cent of civilian fatalities in world conflict occurred in countries in which there was a humanitarian plan or appeal. There are currently 42 appeals in need of $47.4 billion.
It gives a breakdown of long-term consequences for the people affected by conflict, including a reduction in life expectancy from the global average of 73 years old to 67. One quarter of people caught up in conflict are undernourished, compared with eight per cent globally. The maternity mortality rate in conflict zones is nearly double the global average.
The senior director for external engagement and resource development at World Vision, Amanda Rives, said: “Children are being starved, exposed to unimaginable violence, orphaned, and killed. We know this is painful for the world to witness, but we beg you not to turn a blind eye.
“Now is the time to act and prioritise the needs of vulnerable children who are disproportionately suffering due to conflict, the climate crisis, and disregard for humanitarian principles.”
The RC charity CAFOD drew attention to conflict in Sudan. Its director, Christine Allen, said: “Right now in Sudan, the largest crisis in the world, local community groups and networks have access and are delivering assistance where the UN and other big international agencies cannot. CAFOD, alongside other church and diaspora networks, are supporting them.
“The British Government needs to work with the UN, with partnership-based non-governmental organisations like ours, and directly with national organisations, to find ways to better support local first responders. The gap between the vast needs identified by the UN system and shrinking aid budgets of many major donors means that a new approach is needed.”