Afghanistan, African countries are most at risk of humanitarian crises, IRC reports

Conflict, climate change and economic turmoil are accelerating crisis conditions in these countries, according to the International Rescue Committee.

Somalia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and 17 other countries will face the greatest risk of new or worsening humanitarian emergencies in 2023, according to a report released Wednesday that sounds the alarm about global crises such as climate change, food insecurity and the forced displacement of people.

The findings from the International Rescue Committee, a refugee resettlement organization, come after the United Nations recently announced that a record 339 million people will be in humanitarian need next year – an increase of 65 million year-over-year. The IRC estimates that the 20 countries on its annual “watchlist” represent about 90% of the people in need of assistance.

“The scale of that crisis calls for preparation as never before by the humanitarian community,” David Miliband, the committee’s president and CEO, said during a Monday news briefing in advance of the report’s release.

Somalia rose to the top of the list for the first time, followed by Ethiopia, as both countries endure crushing drought conditions and conflict. Afghanistan dropped down to the third position on the ranking after being No. 1 last year, but that shuffling is more due to the state of the alarming situations in East Africa, according to the report.