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Record numbers of people, many fleeing violence and persecution, need humanitarian aid. Learn about the world’s worst crises and what can be done to help.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, including airstrikes and forced displacement orders, is severely affecting civilians and destroying infrastructure. Critical shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water are worsening daily, while restrictions on aid deliveries are preventing essential items from reaching those in need.

Somalia, a country where half of the population is in need of humanitarian aid, has been facing a triple threat: conflict, climate change and COVID.

At a global level there are record numbers of people in need of humanitarian assistance. Record levels of people without enough food to eat. Record levels of people forced to flee their homes. And record numbers of aid workers experiencing major attacks. 

Violence against women and girls is a global problem of epidemic proportions. Evidence shows that over one-third of women and girls globally will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Regardless of where they live, their religion or culture, or what stage of life they are in, each is a target of violence specifically because of her gender and the gender discrimination that persists globally. Gender-based violence (GBV) is exacerbated in emergencies, where vulnerability and risks are higher, and family and community protections have often broken down. Rohingya women arriving in Cox’s Bazar have reported rape at the hands of the Myanmar military, while in the refugee settlements, women and girls are often not allowed to leave their tents, isolating them from services and increasing their risks of violence from partners and family. In South Sudan, as many as 65 per cent of women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence. Sexual exploitation of women and girls in emergencies – including by aid workers and peacekeepers – is also increasingly recognised as a problem that the humanitarian sector must address.