As the world is set to celebrate happy New Year 2024, but unfortunately, New Year will not bring fortune to at least 300 million people across the globe!
Climate change, escalating armed conflicts, mounting debt burdens, and dwindling global support will expedite humanitarian crises across the world next year, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) said in a report on Thursday (December 14).
At least 300 million people from 20 nations, mostly in the African continent, are at the greatest risk of a worsening humanitarian situation, while forced displacement is projected to soar to 110 million next year.
“This is the worst of times,” IRC chief David Miliband said in a statement, calling for a heightened focus on climate adaptation, empowerment of women, the adoption of ‘people-first’ banking approaches, bolstered support for displaced individuals.
Sudan ranked top of the IRC’s emergency watchlist followed by the occupied Palestinian territories.
Beneath them rank nine Sub-Saharan nations; Myanmar and Afghanistan in Asia; Syria, Lebanon and Yemen in the Middle East; Europe’s Ukraine; South America’s Ecuador and Haiti in the Caribbean.
These 20 territories account for some 10 percent of the world’s population but 86 percent of global humanitarian need, 70 percent of displaced people and a growing share of those facing extreme poverty and climate risks, the IRC said.
Sudan ranked top in the list as large-scale urban warfare meets “minimal international attention,” and 25 million people already in humanitarian need, and 6 million displaced.
In Gaza, the deadliest place for civilians worldwide, 3 million people will be in need of humanitarian aid in 2024.
Key Trends Crucial to Address
The IRC’s analysis highlights several pivotal trends prevalent across all Watchlist countries, imperative to address in 2024.
Armed conflict and climate crises are increasingly intertwined in vulnerable regions. Over the past three decades, conflict rose 67% from 44% in those vulnerable regions. Despite contributing less than 2% of global carbon emissions, these nations bear a disproportionately heavy brunt of the climate crisis.
Conflicts are becoming more intricate, involving numerous armed groups, international interference, and severe civilian casualties, with limited consequences for those impeding humanitarian aid.
Shockingly, 90% of casualties in these conflicts are civilians. Additionally, parties engaged in conflict are deliberately impeding humanitarian access and targeting aid workers without facing appropriate diplomatic or legal repercussions.
The strain of access limitations, resource scarcity, and political hurdles is overwhelming humanitarian crisis responses. Funding for these efforts remains inadequate, exacerbated by a global surge in public debt hindering governments’ ability to address humanitarian emergencies. Among the Watchlist nations, twelve out of twenty are either currently in significant debt distress or face a considerable risk of entering into it.
Key IRC Recommendations
To save lives in fragile and conflict-affected regions, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) proposes targeted actions:
- Allocate 50% of public climate finance to developing countries for adaptation by 2025, aligning with the UN Secretary General’s objective.
- Direct 20% of multilateral climate finance to conflict-affected nations through non-governmental organizations, especially local and women-led groups.
- Allocate a minimum of 5% of humanitarian budgets to anticipatory action, with plans for further expansion by 2030.
- Increase World Bank involvement in complex emergencies through new partnerships.
- Expand investment in social safety nets and cash responses, particularly in Africa, through donors and development banks.
- Establish a mechanism to forecast economic shock implications on humanitarian needs.
- Prioritize gender equality in crisis response, empowering women-led organizations.
- Accelerate reforms in pooled funding mechanisms.
- Increase aid and address the debt crisis through investments in climate adaptation, poverty reduction, and humanitarian response.
- Commit half of bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) to fragile and conflict-affected states, as urged by the IRC.
- Address debt burdens in Watchlist countries to support investments in humanitarian response, climate adaptation, and social protection.
- Promote humane reception and protect forcibly displaced individuals by facilitating access to services and advocating for policy changes.
- Advocate for predictable, multi-year funding to support displaced individuals and host communities.
- Strengthen International Humanitarian Law by establishing mechanisms to hold accountable parties responsible for crises.
- Support initiatives to suspend veto use in cases of mass atrocities and establish an Independent Access Organization to improve reporting and policy actions at global, regional, and national levels.
How the World Should Respond to Humanitarian Crises
Governments, aid agencies extend humanitarian aid to tens of millions affected by crises, offering necessities like water, shelter, and food. However, the impacted individuals require more than immediate essentials. They seek safe shelter, an end to violence, and sustainable solutions to mitigate future disaster risks.
Without prompt action, the frequency of severe natural disasters will rise, pushing millions further into enduring poverty and hardship. The strain on international aid efforts will intensify, making it harder to meet escalating needs.
Urgent, substantial changes are needed in the global response to violations of international law and human rights. It’s crucial to prevent and alleviate the impact of conflicts and disasters on vulnerable populations. Governments and aid agencies must significantly enhance aid delivery, empowering local organizations. Upholding international law protecting civilians and safeguarding the rights of those fleeing conflict and disaster demand immediate attention and commitment.
Protect civilians from the horrors of war:
Irrespective of circumstances, warfare inflicts immense suffering on civilians. A growing number are losing homes, schools, jobs, hospitals, and even their lives. Failure to prevent conflicts often results in an inability to safeguard civilians. In today’s conflicts, fundamental rules of warfare are being disregarded to gain the slightest advantage on the battlefield, leading to unchecked human rights abuses.
It is must for world leaders to reassert their commitment to international laws like those outlined in the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty. These frameworks offer crucial protection to civilians, even in the most challenging situations. Governments should set the example by adhering to laws of war and refraining from selling arms to entities that flout these standards. This collective commitment is essential to minimize civilian suffering and uphold fundamental human rights during times of conflict.
Stand up for people forced to flee:
We’re amid the most severe refugee crisis since World War II, where tens of millions flee harrowing conflict, disasters, and poverty, risking everything for safety. Yet, upon escaping, many vulnerable families encounter closed borders, hostility, discrimination, and even abuse.
Resolving the refugee crisis requires a collective effort; no single nation can address it in isolation. Governments worldwide must collaborate to devise a fair, unified, and coordinated response to assist the millions of vulnerable people on the move. Urgent and responsible action is crucial to save lives and ensure protection. Additionally, there must be a steadfast commitment to upholding international law, refraining from bargaining away fundamental human rights in the pursuit of solutions. A joint approach that respects human dignity and safety is essential to mitigate the plight of those forced to flee and ensure their well-being.
Help local people face the future on their own terms:
In a world where crises are expected to intensify, urgent action is imperative to prevent loss of life. World should empower local communities to handle and rebound from crises based on their own needs, rather than imposing external mandates.
A bottom to top humanitarian support approach is necessary, granting local communities responsibility and leadership in disaster and crisis response. It’s crucial to strengthen and support national and local responses, not supplant or weaken them. By investing appropriately, communities can effectively save lives during emergencies and foster resilience for recovery.
This model emphasizes collaboration, enabling local communities to play a pivotal role in crisis management, ultimately ensuring a more effective and sustainable response. Empowering communities to address crises on their terms can not only mitigate the impact but also facilitate stronger recovery efforts.
