Mid-December 2022, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) published its annual Emergency Watchlist, identifying the 20 countries in the world most at risk to face a severe humanitarian crisis or a deterioration of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in 2023. Once again, our unique methodology based on 67 indicators and discussions with key stakeholders in the region, concluded that the situations in 5 West African countries are of high concern. Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria are all countries where conflict, climate change, and economic turmoil impact the lives of millions of people and limits their access to quality health, education, and protection services, food, and sometimes, even to benefit from humanitarian assistance. These countries need the world’s attention to help displaced and host populations survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. This report aims to dive into these contexts and unpack the accelerators of the humanitarian crisis to then better identify the guardrails that decision makers need to rebuild so people can move from harm to home.

At a time where populist voices in member states dominate the debate on migration and displacement, the EU can provide principled leadership.

Over half of Ukrainian children have been displaced by war, and an IRC study of refugee children in Poland highlights key risks they face—bullying, child labor, and mental health challenges—emphasizing the need for ongoing support and protection.

Displaced by conflict and forced to live in makeshift shelters, many are without even the most basic essentials to keep warm or maintain their health. Learn more and see how the IRC is supporting people.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, including airstrikes and forced displacement orders, is severely affecting civilians and destroying infrastructure. Critical shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water are worsening daily, while restrictions on aid deliveries are preventing essential items from reaching those in need.

Bisharo and Nurad are two 35-year-old mothers living in Ethiopia, where a combination of climate shocks and conflict has deepened the food insecurity. Though different circumstances caused them to become displaced, they have come to share the same daily goal: to gain access to food that will keep their children well-nourished and healthy.