Archive · 20 Aug 2026
ICRC Warns Conflicts, Climate Shocks Deepen Global Humanitarian Crisis
The International Committee of the Red Cross says many people around the world urgently need help.
It says wars are becoming more common and are harming civilians.
The Middle East is one region the organization is especially worried about.
More than 252 million people needed humanitarian help and protection by the end of May 2026.
Millions of people have also had to leave their homes because of conflict or violence.
Climate change is making life harder through heat, drought and flooding.
Poor communities and communities affected by war are often hit the hardest.
The ICRC says aid workers sometimes struggle to reach people in dangerous conflict areas.
World Humanitarian Day calls for stronger action to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says escalating conflicts are driving a deepening global humanitarian crisis.
More than 252 million people needed humanitarian assistance and protection by the end of May 2026, according to the United Nations.
The United Nations reported 41.6 million refugees and 68.7 million people internally displaced by conflict or violence at the end of 2025.
The ICRC says climate change, including drought, flooding and extreme heat, is worsening conditions for communities affected by poverty and conflict.
The organization says humanitarian access is increasingly difficult in major conflict zones and requires sustained efforts to build trust.
- Who
- The International Committee of the Red Cross, led in this statement by Director-General Pierre Krahenbuhl, and people affected by conflicts and disasters.
- What
- The ICRC warned that armed conflicts, displacement, climate shocks and funding shortages are deepening a global humanitarian crisis.
- When
- The warning was issued for World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19; the cited figures cover the end of 2025 and May 2026.
- Where
- Worldwide, with the Middle East identified as a major area of concern.
- Why
- Increasing conflicts, record displacement, climate impacts, severe funding shortages and difficult humanitarian access are leaving millions in need of assistance.
- People needing assistance
- More than 252 million people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection by the end of May 2026.
- Refugees
- There were 41.6 million refugees worldwide at the end of 2025, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- Internally displaced people
- There were 68.7 million people internally displaced by conflict or violence at the end of 2025.
- Main conflict concern
- The ICRC singled out the Middle East because of the number of conflicts affecting the region and their consequences.
- Climate impacts
- The ICRC cited very high temperatures, drought, flooding and other effects of climate change.
- Humanitarian access
- Access to people in many major conflict zones has become very difficult, according to the ICRC.
- World Humanitarian Day
- Observed annually on August 19, the day honours humanitarian workers and highlights people affected by crises.