As in previous years, as 2025 begins, The New Humanitarian has compiled a list of countries facing, or expected to face, humanitarian crises during the year. While the list has traditionally been limited to 10 countries, this year, due to ongoing violence, it has been expanded to include 13.
Sudan stands out as a situation the international community must closely monitor. Representing the world’s largest displacement crisis, the country has 12 million displaced people, 25 million individuals facing acute hunger, and famine declared in five areas. These dire circumstances stem from a conflict that began as a dispute between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) but has since escalated into a national crisis, marked by violations of international norms and allegations of international crimes.
The conflict in Sudan has also intensified the critical situation in the Horn of Africa, where 60 million individuals required aid last year, including 20 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. This underscores the significant role of regional powers in internal crises. Sudan’s conflict has spilled over into neighboring countries, exacerbated by support offered to both the SAF - backed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran - and the RSF, supported by the United Arab Emirates. Further complicating the region is the ongoing dispute between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu over the status of Somaliland.
In the Sahel region, violence continues to surge, resulting in 2.6 million IDPs across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, over 330,000 refugees, and 15 million individuals requiring humanitarian support. Despite efforts by regional juntas, rising violence and threats from jihadist and non-jihadist groups persist. The critical situation has escalated as guerrilla tactics evolve into conflicts involving drone operations.
Rebel activity is also rampant in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the March 23 Movement (M23) has displaced local authorities and seized new territories. The widespread violence has displaced 7 million individuals, driven 1.5 million people to seek refuge in host facilities and camps, and left a quarter of the population - 25.5 million - in a state of food insecurity.
The ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip has also reached critical levels, with reports of 46,000 Palestinians killed, over 2.1 million displaced, and 92% of homes damaged or destroyed. The region urgently requires international assistance to achieve a lasting ceasefire and rebuild.
In Syria, the fall of Bashar al-Assad has marked the end of a 14-year war, which left 7.2 million IDPs and over 5 million refugees. However, the country now faces staggering challenges, with 90% of the population living below the poverty line and an estimated $400 billion required for reconstruction. This effort is further complicated by the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the resistance against al-Assad and classified as a terrorist organization by some countries, including the United States, and international organisations, including the United Nations.
Yemen’s humanitarian crisis remains dire, with 4.5 million displaced individuals and 17.1 million people facing food insecurity. Despite 83% of the population living in multidimensional poverty, Yemen receives limited media attention, except for incidents involving Houthi attacks, which have severely impacted trade flows in the Red Sea.
Afghanistan also demands attention, with 22.9 million people in need of assistance and 3.9 million displaced individuals. The country’s situation has worsened due to natural disasters, compounded by restrictions on women, who are banned from accessing medical schools and working in local and international organizations. These laws also impose constraints on everyday life, dictating permissible attire and digital content.
In Haiti, the humanitarian crisis is marked by 5.5 million people requiring assistance, 5.4 million facing acute hunger, and escalating gang violence controlling large swaths of the country. Alarmingly, rates of sexual violence increased by 1,000% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Myanmar is grappling with civilian abuses and war crimes, with 20 million individuals in need of assistance and 15 million facing acute food insecurity. The military government and armed groups, including the Arakan Army, have been accused of committing atrocities, particularly against the Rohingya, 1 million of whom remain displaced in camps in Bangladesh.
Ukraine continues to face immense challenges due to ongoing conflict, with 12.7 million people requiring humanitarian aid. The impending Trump presidency raises questions about potential shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine. This presidency also raises concerns about migration in the Americas, particularly regarding mass deportations of undocumented individuals in the U.S. and restrictions on asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Finally, as climate change continues to worsen, Vanuatu is spearheading a landmark legal case before the International Court of Justice, addressing the legal obligations of states to combat climate change and protect civilians.
To read more, please visit:
https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2025/01/08/humanitarian-crises-demand-your-attention-now
