Millions of people left waiting for humanitarian aid

As humanitarian needs increase, public funding for international aid is decreasing. HI is committed to supporting vulnerable populations and providing assistance to those who need it most.

Des femmes se tiennent debout les unes derrière les autres, dans une file dont on distingue qu'elle continue loin derrière elles. Chacune tient à la main une bassine ou un récipient vide.

Adré, Chad. Sudanese refugees, mostly women and children, who have recently fled conflict in Darfur wait to receive a food handout from an NGO in an unofficial refugee camp in Adré, Chad. There is not enough food so many go home empty-handed. | © T. Nicholson / HI

A changing funding context

The year 2024 was marked by budget cuts in several countries historically involved in development aid. Germany, the leading European donor, plans to cut its humanitarian spending by more than 50%. France has already reduced its public development aid budget by 800 million euros and announced a further 18% reduction by 2025. The United States has frozen all its international aid for a period of 90 days and has permanently cut 90% of aid from USAID. The United Kingdom has announced its intention to reduce its budget for international development aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of its GDP. The European Union, Belgium, and other international partners are following this trend, reducing their contributions at a time when the demand for aid is sharply increasing.

Increasingly urgent needs

Current crises – Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – are accompanied by growing urbanization of combat zones, increasing the number of victims and health challenges. In addition, numerous climate disasters – cyclones, droughts, floods, etc. – cause thousands of victims worldwide each year. In 2024, more than 300 million people needed humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the number of forcibly displaced people reached a record high, exceeding 122 million.

In this context, humanitarian action cannot afford to slow down. HI, which supported 2.5 million people in 2024, continues its commitment to the most vulnerable populations. Access to rehabilitation care, inclusive education, demining, and humanitarian logistics are essential services to ensure the dignity and autonomy of people affected by crises.

"Until now, physiotherapists used to come to my shelter for my rehabilitation sessions, but for several days no one has been able to come, and I don't dare to leave my home. In addition, food distributions no longer take place or are delayed... I hope we won't be forgotten like this overnight, because without help it will be difficult to survive in the camps," explains Yeasmin Akter, 25, a disabled refugee in the Cox's Bazar camp in Bangladesh.

HI calls for mobilisation

Beyond the numbers, lives are at stake. Budget cuts risk hindering significant progress made over decades, particularly for people with disabilities, who represent 16% of the world's population. In many countries, access to prosthetics, wheelchairs, rehabilitation, and health services remains limited.

In the face of these challenges, it is more essential than ever to reaffirm our collective commitment. International solidarity must remain at the heart of society's concerns. With over 40 years of experience, HI is more mobilised than ever to help vulnerable populations in need and calls for strengthening our efforts for a more inclusive and resilient world.

Thank you for your support.

Date published: 28/02/25