Global overview

**Global Humanitarian Overview: September 14–20, 2026** The global humanitarian landscape this week is characterized by acute displacement crises and severe funding shortfalls across multiple theaters. In East Africa and the Middle East, conflict-driven instability is fueling mass population movements; Sudan is seeing significant refugee outflows into Egypt and South Sudan, while intensified fighting on Yemen’s west coast has displaced thousands and triggered a surge of refugees into Djibouti. Similarly, the Syrian Arab Republic and the occupied Palestinian territory continue to face critical protection risks, with Syria reporting rising child malnutrition and the West Bank grappling with explosive ordnance risks and severe educational disruptions. In Europe, Ukraine remains a high-priority concern as ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure drive high internal displacement and urgent needs for emergency health and GBV protection. Simultaneously, the intersection of climate volatility and health emergencies is straining regional capacities. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is battling the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record alongside massive internal displacement, while Colombia is mobilizing recovery efforts following a major earthquake. Climate-driven shocks are prevalent in Asia, where monsoon flooding in Pakistan and devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal’s Rasuwa Valley have necessitated emergency food and WASH interventions. Furthermore, rainfall deficits in eastern Chad and El Niño-related threats in Somalia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh are jeopardizing agro-pastoral livelihoods and exacerbating food insecurity. Financial constraints remain a systemic barrier to effective response, with critical funding gaps reported in several high-risk zones. Ethiopia (47% funded), Mali (48% funded), and Colombia (44% funded) face particularly severe shortfalls, hindering the delivery of life-saving aid. Additionally, a complex migration crisis persists in Central Asia, with Afghan nationals facing significant protection and reintegration challenges as they move between Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Across all regions, the combination of underfunded response plans and escalating environmental and security threats continues to leave millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in precarious conditions.

Priority crises

Mass Displacement and Protection Crisis as Sudanese Refugees Flee Regionally

Ongoing instability is driving significant population movements into Egypt, South Sudan, and toward Europe, straining regional protection systems. The situation is further complicated by violence in border areas and food insecurity risks linked to rainfall deficits and potential locust outbreaks.

Critical Displacement Crisis and Funding Gaps in South Sudan

South Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian emergency characterized by over 520,000 IDPs and a continuous influx of refugees from Sudan. Despite significant aid, a 29% funding gap persists while climate-driven conflict threatens agro-pastoral livelihoods.

Escalating West Coast Conflict Drives Mass Displacement and Health Crisis

Intensified fighting on Yemen's west coast has displaced thousands internally and forced a surge of refugees into Djibouti. The situation is exacerbated by appalling conditions for fleeing civilians, raising urgent fears of a cholera outbreak and critical funding gaps for the 2026 response plan.

Monsoon Flooding and Afghan Displacement Crisis Persist in Pakistan

Ongoing monsoon rains continue to impact agriculture, shelter, and WASH infrastructure, necessitating emergency cash assistance for affected families. Simultaneously, significant protection concerns remain regarding the flow, detention, and return of Afghan nationals across borders.

Rainfall Deficits Drive Worsening Food Insecurity in Eastern Chad

Severe rainfall deficits are exacerbating food insecurity across eastern Chad, coinciding with ongoing challenges in health and protection. Despite 70% funding, over 350,000 IDPs remain vulnerable as agencies manage critical nutrition and protection needs.

Critical Protection Needs Amid Ongoing Attacks on Infrastructure and Civilians

Ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure and civilians continue to drive high displacement, with over 1.4 million IDPs. Humanitarian efforts are focused on emergency health responses, GBV protection, and managing evacuation transit centers despite a 23% funding gap.

Severe Displacement and Funding Gaps Amidst Climate and Pest Threats

Ethiopia faces a critical humanitarian crisis with nearly 4 million IDPs and a significant funding gap, with only 47% of required aid met. Ongoing challenges include refugee influxes from South Sudan and looming threats from Desert Locusts and ENSO-related climate instability.

Ongoing Forced Returns and Migration Flows from Iran to Afghanistan

Reports indicate a continuous flow of Afghan returnees and migrants moving from Iran toward Afghanistan and Pakistan. UNHCR and IOM are actively monitoring these movements and managing emergency response efforts to support returnees.

Rapid Ebola Outbreak and Mass Displacement Crisis in DRC

The DRC is facing the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, with significant mortality linked to gendered care work. This health crisis coincides with massive internal displacement affecting over 1.4 million people and a funding gap of approximately $1.4 billion.

Urgent Response Required Following Major Earthquake in Colombia

Colombia is facing a critical humanitarian situation following a significant earthquake, with ongoing needs in health, shelter, and protection. Inter-agency efforts are focused on recovery and reconstruction, while funding remains a challenge with only 44% of the required humanitarian financing secured.

Severe Flash Floods and Landslides Strike Rasuwa Valley, Nepal

Flash floods and landslides in the Rasuwa Valley have triggered a significant humanitarian response, necessitating emergency food aid and logistics coordination. International assistance, including support from Japan, is being deployed to address the displacement of nearly 14,000 individuals.

Surge in Afghan Returnees Facing Severe Protection and Reintegration Challenges

Recent reports indicate a continuous flow of Afghan nationals returning from Pakistan and Iran, with significant concerns regarding arrest, detention, and the lack of sustainable reintegration. The situation is compounded by high levels of internal displacement and a funding gap for critical humanitarian needs.

Severe Displacement and Funding Gaps Amid Rising Child Malnutrition in Syria

Syria faces a critical humanitarian crisis with nearly 6 million IDPs and a significant funding gap, with only 58% of required aid secured. Urgent calls to expand integrated nutrition services highlight a growing threat of child malnutrition across the region.

Persistent Protection Risks and Humanitarian Access Constraints in Central African Republic

Ongoing protection incidents and threats to humanitarian workers continue to hinder aid delivery across the region. With over 35,000 IDPs and a significant funding gap of nearly 40%, the population remains highly vulnerable to instability and food insecurity.

Acute Child Malnutrition and Mass Displacement Amid Persistent Violence in Haiti

Over 250,000 children are facing acute malnutrition driven by ongoing violence and food insecurity. With nearly 790,000 internally displaced persons and a critical funding gap, the humanitarian situation remains dire despite emergency agricultural support efforts.

Somalia Faces Escalating Climate Risks and Severe Displacement Challenges

Somalia is preparing for the 2026 Deyr season amid threats of El Niño and desert locust infestations. With over 112,000 IDPs and a significant funding gap, the intersection of climate instability and conflict continues to jeopardize agro-pastoral livelihoods.

Rising Food Insecurity and Refugee Pressures Amidst Regional Instability

Uganda is facing acute food insecurity and malnutrition challenges compounded by ongoing refugee inflows from the DRC. While humanitarian funding is at 76%, the combination of ENSO-related climate risks and regional conflict continues to strain essential services.

Escalating Displacement and Funding Gaps in Lebanon Humanitarian Response

Lebanon is experiencing significant internal displacement with nearly 18,000 IDPs and ongoing cross-border movement volatility. While 76% of the 2026 Response Plan is funded, a substantial gap remains as the country maintains a high-risk INFORM classification.

Climate Risks and Refugee Protection Concerns in Bangladesh

The region faces escalating risks due to El Niño patterns impacting food security and health, alongside ongoing protection needs for Myanmar refugees. Despite high funding levels, the combination of environmental instability and large displaced populations requires sustained monitoring.

Escalating Protection Risks and Funding Gaps Amidst Displacement in Mali

Mali faces critical protection risks and significant humanitarian funding shortfalls, with only 48% of required resources met. Ongoing displacement of nearly 10,000 people is compounded by emerging threats to food security and child welfare.

Diverse Global Risks: Locust Threats, Education Funding Shifts, and Oceania Health Alerts

Current reports highlight emerging threats including potential desert locust outbreaks due to precipitation patterns and epidemic disease alerts in Oceania. Additionally, the international funding landscape for education in emergencies is undergoing critical shifts.

Critical Protection Risks and Educational Disruptions in Occupied Palestinian Territory

Persistent civilian harm is driven by explosive ordnance risks and ongoing casualties and displacement in the West Bank. These protection crises are further compounded by severe barriers to safe and continuous education for children entering the new academic year.

Escalating Violence and Restricted Access Impede Myanmar Humanitarian Response

Ongoing military shelling, airstrikes, and arbitrary arrests in Kyeh Htoh Township are driving protection risks. These security challenges are compounded by restricted humanitarian access and a significant funding gap, with only 60% of required aid secured.

Climate Risks and Funding Gaps Threaten Indonesian Humanitarian Stability

Ongoing El Niño patterns and global water resource instability are exacerbating risks across food, health, and WASH sectors. With only 66% of required humanitarian funding met and over 227,000 IDPs, the capacity to respond to climate-driven shocks is constrained.

Critical Funding Gap Amidst Severe Humanitarian Crisis in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso faces a high-risk humanitarian situation with over 35,000 IDPs and a significant funding shortfall, with only 54% of the 2026 HRP requirements met. Multi-sectoral needs across health, nutrition, and protection persist as the country maintains a top-tier global risk ranking.

Weekly deep dives

Yemen

Escalating hostilities along Yemen's western coast and southern Taiz frontlines have led to a significant increase in displacement.

Hostilities in Yemen's western coast and southern Taiz frontlines have rapidly escalated, displacing nearly 94,000 people. This represents a 135% increase in displacement since early September. Many families are experiencing repeated displacement due to the ongoing conflict.

Chad

Rainfall deficits are exacerbating food insecurity in eastern Chad, with Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes projected to persist through January 2027.

Rainfall deficits are worsening food insecurity in eastern Chad, particularly in Ouaddaï, Sila, Wadi Fira, and Ennedi Est provinces. These areas are expected to experience Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes until January 2027. Additionally, seasonal precipitation predictions indicate above-normal rainfall across northern and eastern Africa from October to December, consistent with strong El Niño episodes, though specific implications for Chad's food security beyond the eastern regions are not detailed. Humanitarian organizations continue to implement protection, health, and nutrition programs, with UNHCR reporting on achievements in child protection, PSEA, health, nutrition, mental health, and gender-based violence response.

Nepal

The Government of Japan has provided additional emergency assistance to Nepal following flash floods, as the death toll rises and education remains disrupted for many children.

Flash floods in Nepal have now claimed 1,399 lives, with 5,179 people still missing as of September 15. The Government of Japan has responded to Nepal's request for assistance by providing DNA testing equipment as emergency relief goods. This week, education was disrupted for approximately 13 million children across six countries, including Nepal, due to major natural or climate disasters.