10 crises the world can’t ignore in 2023

THE International Rescue Committee is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development non-governmental organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. In 2021 the IRC and its partners reached over 31.5 million people in countries affected by crisis.

Founded at the call of Albert Einstein in 1933, the IRC is now at work in over 40 crisis-affected countries. Part of its mission is to provide health care, help children learn, and empower individuals and communities to become self-reliant.

The IRC said many countries across the globe continue to struggle with decades-long conflicts, economic turmoil, and the devastating effects of climate change. Here’s the IRC’S Watchlist for the 10 humanitarian crises seen deteriorating the most in 2023.

First on the list is Somalia, which is facing an unprecedented drought and hunger crisis in 2023. People are dying of starvation, and the country is on the brink of famine. With its food production decimated by climate change and conflict, Somalia’s dependence on imports has proven disastrous—over 90 percent of its wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine.

Next is Ethiopia, which is heading toward its sixth consecutive failed rainy season. The drought has already affected 24 million people. At the same time, various conflicts across the country are preventing humanitarian organizations from delivering aid to about 28.6 million.

Third is Afghanistan, where an entire population is being pushed into poverty. Over a year since the shift in power, Afghans remain in economic collapse. While a rapid increase in aid prevented famine last winter, the root cause of the crisis persists. Ongoing efforts to engage the government and improve the economy have fallen short.

In Congo, over 100 armed groups fight for control in the eastern part, fueling a crisis that has lasted for decades. After nearly 10 years of dormancy, the M23 armed group launched a new offensive in 2022, forcing families to flee their homes and disrupting humanitarian aid. Major disease outbreaks—including measles, malaria and Ebola—continue to threaten an already weak health care system, putting many lives at risk.

In fifth place is Yemen, where an eight-year-old conflict between armed groups and government forces remains unresolved. While a ceasefire reduced fighting for several months, it collapsed in October 2022. Yemen is at increased risk of violence in 2023 unless a longer ceasefire agreement is reached.

Next is Syria, where over a decade of war has destroyed its health system and left the country on the brink of economic collapse. Currently, 75 percent of Syrians are unable to meet their most basic needs, and millions rely on humanitarian aid.

South Sudan, one of the most fragile countries in the world, is in seventh place. More South Sudanese people than ever before—7.8 million—will face crisis levels of food insecurity in 2023. Despite severe flooding, destroyed crops and disease outbreaks, funding shortages forced the World Food Programme to suspend part of its food aid in 2022.

Next is Burkina Faso, where armed groups now control as much as 40 percent of the country. Tensions among political factions have contributed to the instability. Members of the armed forces seized power twice in 2022 alone. A growing number of vigilante groups has added to the violence. While needs are dire, humanitarian aid is limited by conflict and lack of funding.

Number nine is Haiti, where armed gangs regularly take control of distribution routes, causing shortages of basic goods and fuel. Rising prices make it increasingly difficult for people to afford to buy the food they can access. Gang violence will continue to disrupt people’s livelihoods and essential services. Kidnappings, rape and killings are all rising, putting thousands at risk of death.

Ukraine occupies the 10th spot because of the Russian invasion, which created the world’s largest displacement crisis—6.5 million Ukrainians have been displaced inside the country, while more than 7.8 million are refugees across Europe. Ukraine is not higher on the IRC Watchlist only because the huge scale of the international response helped to mitigate the impact of the war.

The countries on the IRC’S 2023 Watchlist are home to just 13 percent of the global population, yet they account for 90 percent of people in humanitarian need and 81 percent of the people who have been forcibly displaced. These are the 10 countries likely to face the worst humanitarian crises next year, and they urgently need global help.