A new report warns that worsening global instability could push humanitarian crises to dangerous new levels, with Sudan and Palestine identified as the most at-risk countries. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) released its 2026 Emergency Watchlist on Tuesday, ranking the top 20 countries facing the world’s most severe humanitarian needs. Sudan and Palestine remain at the top for another year.
According to the report, the world is entering a “new world disorder”, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, weakened alliances, and declining international cooperation. These trends, combined with sharply reduced funding, are intensifying crises and leaving millions without support.
IRC president David Miliband said the findings highlight a rapidly deteriorating global situation:
“Disorder begets disorder. Without urgent action, 2026 could become the most dangerous year yet.”
A global system under strain
The report says worsening political rivalries and stalled diplomacy—especially at the UN Security Council (UNSC)—have blocked responses to major conflicts.
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Russia has repeatedly vetoed resolutions aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Sudan.
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The United States vetoed several calls for a Gaza truce before later supporting a peace proposal.
Although the 20 countries on the list represent just 12% of the world’s population, they account for 89% of the nearly 300 million people who urgently need humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, global humanitarian funding has dropped by 50%, leaving major gaps in crisis responses.
Sudan: Three years of war and a deepening catastrophe
Sudan tops the Watchlist for the third year in a row. Nearly three years of conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created massive humanitarian devastation.
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150,000 people have been killed.
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12 million displaced.
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33 million need assistance.
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207,000 are facing catastrophic hunger.
The report says “regional backers” continue to fuel the war by enabling the flow of weapons and smuggling out Sudanese gold—though it does not name specific countries.
Palestine: Gaza crisis and West Bank violence keep the region at breaking point
Palestine ranked second, also for the third consecutive year, due to the ongoing destruction in Gaza and rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
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More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza.
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Authorities say Israel has carried out nearly 800 attacks since the October ceasefire agreement, killing about 400 people.
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At the end of 2025, 641,000 people in Gaza were facing famine-level hunger.
The IRC notes little hope that international pressure will significantly reduce violence. Even if the conflict slows, civilians will continue to suffer amid destroyed infrastructure and strict limits on aid entry.
A dangerous rise in impunity
The report highlights an alarming increase in attacks on humanitarian workers, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure—especially in Gaza. The IRC says impunity has expanded to dangerous levels, allowing violations to continue unchecked.
With crises escalating, diplomacy weakening, and aid funding shrinking, the organization warns that the world’s most vulnerable populations are being left without protection.