Sudan has once again topped the “Global Humanitarian Crisis Watchlist” released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) on Tuesday, amid an ongoing conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
This marks the third consecutive year that Sudan has led the list, which highlights the 20 countries most at risk of new humanitarian emergencies or the worsening of ongoing crises.
David Miliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said in a statement: “What the IRC is witnessing on the ground is not an accident. The world is not merely failing to respond to the crisis; actions and words are actively exacerbating it and prolonging its duration.”
He added, “The scale of the crisis in Sudan, topping the watchlist for the third consecutive year and now representing the largest recorded humanitarian crisis ever, is evidence of this failure.”
More than 12 million people have already been displaced by the war in Sudan. Humanitarian workers lack the necessary resources to assist those fleeing, many of whom have suffered theft, loss of family members, and sexual violence.
Following Sudan on the humanitarian watchlist are the Palestinian territories, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Haiti.
The IRC noted that although these countries account for only 12% of the world’s population, they represent 89% of people in need of humanitarian aid. It is predicted that by 2029, these nations will house more than half of the world’s population living in extreme poverty.
