The leader of the IRC's COVID-19 response explains how we are fighting the virus and what's at risk for the three countries he's most worried about.

Each year, the IRC lists the countries at greatest risk of worsening humanitarian crisis over the coming year.

Since 2012, political instability, a coup and subsequent conflict in northern Mali has forced over 200,000 people to flee the safety of their homes. For many of those living within the northern states of Timbuktu, Kidal and Gao, conditions became unbearable as many of the the basic services, infrastructure and water supplies were destroyed.

Each year, the IRC’s Emergency Watchlist identifies and ranks the countries most at risk for experiencing a new or worsening humanitarian crisis.

While these countries represent less than 6 percent of the world’s population, they host more than half of all people identified as being in need globally.

Attacks on civilians and other violations of international humanitarian law reflect a growing trend in conflicts around the world.