Geneva, Aug 20 — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned of the urgent need to address a deepening global humanitarian crisis, as escalating conflicts, record displacement, climate shocks and severe funding shortages leave millions of vulnerable people in need of life-saving assistance.
On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, Pierre Krahenbuhl, director-general of the ICRC, said that "The first concern of the ICRC is related to the great proliferation of armed conflicts."
"We're seeing an increased number of conflicts around the world. It feels very much as though the handbrakes have been released on the promise enshrined in the UN Charter that conflicts should become a last resort."
Krahenbuhl singled out the Middle East as an area of major concern because of the number of conflicts affecting the region and their consequences, reports Xinhua news agency.
According to the United Nations, more than 252 million people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection by the end of May 2026.
Global displacement also remains at exceptionally high levels. Figures from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees show that at the end of 2025, there were 41.6 million refugees worldwide, and 68.7 million people were internally displaced by conflict or violence.
Climate change is adding pressure to communities already affected by conflict and poverty, according to the ICRC.
"We're seeing it in every corner of the planet, with very high temperatures, drought, flooding and other impacts of the changing climate," Krahenbuhl said. "These changes are having a disproportionate impact on already impoverished communities or communities affected by the combination of conflict and climate shocks."
At the same time, conflicts themselves can further degrade the natural environment, creating long-term consequences for communities, he added.
In addition, humanitarian access has also become "very difficult" in many of today's major conflict zones. "It requires a patient building of relations and trust," Krahenbuhl said.
Observed annually on August 19, World Humanitarian Day honours humanitarian workers and draws attention to people affected by crises around the world. This year's campaign calls for greater accountability and action to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.