The International Rescue Committee (IRC) released its 2026 Emergency Watchlist, naming 20 countries facing catastrophic humanitarian deterioration. Sudan tops the list for the third consecutive year, followed by occupied Palestinian territory and South Sudan.
Watchlist nations—home to 12% of global population—host 89% of humanitarian needs and will shelter over half of extreme poor by 2029. 117 million displaced; 40 million face life-threatening hunger.
Global funding plunged 50%, leaving aid systems underfunded and unprepared. IRC President David Miliband warns this “New World Disorder” of rivalries and impunity rewards violence.
Surging Crises Meet Shrinking Support
Geopolitical shifts erode post-WWII rules. UN Security Council vetoes stall Sudan, Syria, Gaza responses. Conflicts fuel profit: Sudanese parties trade gold amid atrocities.
2025 marks deadliest year for aid workers. School attacks surged 50%; Gaza infrastructure bombed relentlessly.
Watchlist signals global ripple effects: disorder in fragile states destabilizes everywhere.
Crises the World Can’t Ignore in 2026
IRC prioritizes based on need, donor neglect, and solution potential:
Sudan – Largest crisis ever; war economy devastates civilians
Occupied Palestinian Territory – Infrastructure destruction, aid blockades
South Sudan – Hunger, displacement intensify
Additional top crises (from broader Watchlist): DRC, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, Ukraine
IRC’s Proven Solutions Amid Crisis
Despite cuts, IRC delivers:
Sudan/Ethiopia/South Sudan: Life-saving immunizations in conflict zones
Somalia/Nigeria: Anticipatory responses to climate threats
Cash assistance, simplified malnutrition treatment, and climate adaptation prove cost-effective.
IRC’s Urgent Agenda for 2026 Action
Reinvigorate Diplomacy: Disrupt war economies via sanctions, suspend vetoes in atrocities.
Protect Civilians: Halt arms to violators, prioritize humanitarian access, renew Refugee Convention.
Target Aid Better: 60% ODA to fragile states (30% Watchlist); expand BRICS/Gulf donors; fund local actors.
Miliband concludes: “Disorder begets disorder. 2026 risks becoming most dangerous year yet without visionary response.”
The 2026 Watchlist demands reinvention. Solutions exist—proven, cost-effective, scalable. Global leaders must choose: retreat or renewal.
Q&A: Decoding IRC’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist
Q: What defines “New World Disorder”?
A: Geopolitical rivalries, vetoes, war profiteering, and impunity replacing rules-based cooperation.
Q: Why Sudan #1 for third year?
A: Largest crisis ever—gold-fueled war, massive displacement, donor neglect.
Q: How severe is global funding shortfall?
A: 50% drop leaves systems unprepared for record 117M displaced, 40M starving.
Q: What solutions does IRC propose?
A: Diplomacy targeting war profits, civilian protection, targeted aid to fragile states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which 20 countries make the 2026 Watchlist?
A1: Sudan, oPt, South Sudan lead; full list at IRC Watchlist.
Q2: Why focus on Watchlist countries specifically?
A2: They represent 89% of humanitarian need despite 12% global population.
Q3: How does impunity fuel these crises?
A3: Vetoes block action; arms flow despite violations; war economies profit from violence.
Q4: What aid innovations work best?
A4: Cash assistance, anticipatory climate action, simplified nutrition, immunizations in conflict zones.
Q5: Can global powers still intervene effectively?
A5: Yes—targeted sanctions, refugee pathways, 60% ODA to fragile states, expanded donor base.
