• IRC’s team of emergency responders issues 2018 index of top ten countries most at risk, predicting arduous year for millions around the world, surpassing 2017 records

  • Conflict continues to rage in Syria, Afghanistan, DRC; South Sudan risks renewed famine; Cholera reaches 1 million in Yemen; Cox’s Bazar camp becomes one of world’s largest for Rohingya as cyclone season approaches

  • In face of massive needs in 2018, IRC projects the Trump administration will be far below its own refugee admissions cap for FY18, undermining permanent and proven solution of resettlement

  • Governments must commit substantial support for the 135 million people in need of humanitarian aid in 2018

Last year was a record-breaking year, for all the wrong reasons. As war, famine and disaster loom on the horizon for countries around the world, it is likely 2018 will surpass those records, an emergency watchlist issued by the International Rescue Committee showed today, as 135 million people worldwide require humanitarian assistance.

In the face of growing global need however, the  IRC projects that the Trump administration will be far below its own refugee resettlement cap of 45,000 for FY18, resettling just less than 22,000 refugees - far below the historical average of 95,000 - further endangering the prospects of safety for the world’s most vulnerable people.

As we head into 2018, the IRC’s team of emergency responders has ranked the following ten countries at highest risk of humanitarian crisis this year based on their conflict and natural disaster vulnerability and consequent humanitarian risk factors*:

"Around the world, countries from Afghanistan to Yemen are in the midst of man-made disasters. Conflict, disease and hunger continue to plague the lives of people who have already had to endure so much," noted Bryce Perry, International Rescue Committee's Emergency Deputy Director. “With more people in need of aid than ever before, and budgets around the world under pressure, the aid system is being stretched to a breaking point. It is vital that in 2018 governments around the globe commit to supporting the world's most vulnerable. The humanitarian response plans must be fully funded, enabling aid organizations to support the over 135 million people in need around the globe."

“Last year was a tough year for millions, torn from their home by conflict and hunger. But if the world does not focus on long term solutions to crises including better aid and better access, 2018 runs the risk of being much, much worse,” added Perry.

Find the IRC’s full 2018 Emergency Watchlist here.