School of Advanced Study, University of London’s Post

🌍 Is There Discrimination in Humanitarian Funding or Is It Driven by Donor Political Interests? 🤔 When we think about humanitarian aid, we often assume that the most urgent crises receive the most attention and funding. But is that always the case? The reality is, not all humanitarian crises are treated equally, and the reasons behind this are quite revealing. For instance, during the 2022 conflict in Ukraine, 95% of the required funding was secured in less than 24 hours. Meanwhile, protracted crises in Sudan, Yemen, and South Sudan struggle to secure even 30% of the funding they need, despite severe and ongoing humanitarian needs. So, what’s going on? In many cases, political interests of donor countries play a significant role in determining which crises get funded. Geopolitical concerns, strategic alliances, and media coverage heavily influence how quickly and generously donors respond. Crises that align with the global power structure receive priority, while others remain severely underfunded and overlooked. Is this discrimination? Not exactly. But when humanitarian funding is tied to political interests and media visibility, it certainly feels that way for the millions of people suffering in forgotten crises. 🌍💔 How can we change this? The answer lies in humanitarian diplomacy. By advocating for equitable, needs-based funding, we can ensure that all crises—whether in the media spotlight or not—receive the resources they need to save lives. 💬 What do you think? Should donor interests dictate humanitarian aid? Or should aid be based solely on need? Let’s discuss! 👇 #HumanitarianFunding #EquityInAid #HumanitarianDiplomacy #GlobalCrises #HumanitarianNeeds #AdvocacyForAll

This article sheds light on the often-overlooked humanitarian crises that persist beyond the headlines of Gaza and Ukraine. Each of these situations demands our urgent attention: 🔴 Sudan: The war between the RSF and the regular army has displaced 10 million people, with 26 million facing food insecurity. The risk of famine looms large, threatening millions with starvation. 🔴 Myanmar: Over 3 million displaced and worsening abuses highlight a deteriorating situation. Intense conflict and human rights violations, including forced conscriptions and airstrikes, add to the crisis. 🔴 Haiti: Rampant gang violence has displaced 578,000 people, with acute hunger affecting almost half the population. International efforts are underway, but challenges persist in stabilizing the nation. 🔴 West African Sahel: Juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger intensify counterinsurgency campaigns, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. 🔴 Horn of Africa: Extreme weather, ongoing conflicts, and political instability have left nearly 64 million people in need of aid and protection. 🔴 DR Congo: Intense regional conflict and a failed coup have exacerbated the displacement crisis, with 7.3 million people internally displaced and 23.4 million food insecure. 🔴 Syria: More than 16 million Syrians need aid amid ongoing conflict and economic collapse. Funding shortfalls hinder relief efforts. 🔴 Yemen: A decade of war continues, with severe hunger affecting 17.6 million people. The humanitarian response is critically underfunded. 🔴 Venezuela: An upcoming election could impact the future of a country struggling with economic collapse and severe humanitarian needs. 🔴 Afghanistan: With 23.7 million people in need of assistance, including 4 million acutely malnourished children, the humanitarian situation remains dire amid ongoing political and economic instability. Each of these crises demands our collective awareness and action. Let’s amplify these voices and advocate for the support they desperately need. #HumanitarianCrisis #GlobalAid #InternationalSupport

⚡ The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is deepening. Warnings from UN Secretary-General Guterres underscore the need for urgent intervention by the international community. This article examines the extent of the crisis…

New Post: In Nairobi, Guterres reiterates appeal for end to Gaza war — Global Issues - https://lnkd.in/gT8Fwyu5 Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, he warned that “the fate of Palestinians and the entire region hangs in the balance.” More than a million Palestinians are crowded into Rafah Governorate in southern Gaza as Israeli military operations continue throughout the area. Roughly 100,000 people have left and are moving north. “A massive ground attack in Rafah would lead to an epic humanitarian disaster and pull the plug on our efforts to support people as famine looms,” he said.UN engagement ongoing The UN is actively engaging with all sides towards resuming the delivery of life-saving aid into the enclave, including desperately needed fuel, through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. Meanwhile, key medical facilities in Rafah could soon become inaccessible or inoperable, including the only dialysis department still operating in Gaza. At the same time, humanitarians in the south have no more tents or food stocks. Stressing that international humanitarian law in unequivocal, he said civilians must be protected, particularly vulnerable people unable to relocate from active fighting, such as pregnant women, children, the injured, the sick, and older people and those with disabilities. ‘West Bank ‘repercussions’ As “what happens in Gaza has profound repercussions in the occupied West Bank,” the UN chief also noted the “deeply disturbing spike in settler violence, excessive use of force by the Israeli Defense Force, demolitions and evictions” in the territory. “All of this speaks to the need for the international community to speak with one voice for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive surge in life-saving aid,” he said. More to follow… #Nairobi #Guterres #reiterates #appeal #Gaza #war #Global #Issues

Chair of the House of Commons International Development Committee, Sarah Champion MP, provides an op-ed for Chamber UK's parliamentary journal on how 'The Unprecedented Human Suffering and Devastation in Gaza is 100% Man Made.' She details that humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, exacerbated by recent conflicts and severe restrictions on aid, has led to unprecedented suffering and societal breakdown. The article calls for international political will to prevent such disasters in the future and urges the UK to leverage its diplomatic and legal strengths to address and mitigate potential atrocities globally. To gain more insight on the famine taking hold in Gaza, how the functioning health system has been destroyed, and the issue of long-term refugees, read below 👇 https://lnkd.in/gWBFyj-B #SocietalBreakdown #InternationalAid #HumanRights #UKDiplomacy #GlobalAtrocities #GazaFamine #HealthSystemCollapse #WarCasualties #UKForeignPolicy #RefugeeCrisis #FoodInsecurity #HealthcareInCrisis #WarImpact #HumanitarianAid #HumanitarianResponse #PeaceAndSecurity #ConflictResolution #UKPolitics #UKGovernment

⚡ The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is deepening. Warnings from UN Secretary-General Guterres underscore the need for urgent intervention by the international community. This article examines the extent of the crisis…

Azza Abdel Aziz details the politics of aid distribution in Sudan, as both RSF and SAF have sought to leverage humanitarian efforts to their advantage. Read now in Issue 310: The Struggle for Sudan.

Despite the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including bombed hospitals and widespread displacement, global attention remains limited. Competing crises, media focus, and the complexity of Sudan's conflict contribute to this lack of visibility. Highlighting these issues can help draw necessary attention and humanitarian support. Engaging with companies to promote responsible business practices and transparency is encouraged. This includes advocating for improved corporate governance, respect for human rights, and ethical business conduct within its operations and across its value chain.  Investors have an important role to play in addressing the urgency of the situation in Sudan and helping transition back into a civilian democratic government that can foster a sustainable economic and financial environment. By actively managing their portfolios in response to the unfolding situation in Sudan, investors contribute to the broader global response. In April 2023, EIRIS CRN sent out a questionnaire to several companies in Sudan which we have identified as having business activities in the country and have been monitoring for the past several years. CRN maintains its Sudan Company Report which features company profiles operating in high-risk sectors. If you are an investor and are interested in learning more about our work on Sudan and the risks associated with conflict-affected areas, please reach out. https://lnkd.in/ebKD5zyQ

Had a very constructive meeting on Tuesday at the UK Foreign Office about the UK's South Sudan policy in the shadow of a humanitarian crisis and delayed elections. I can't share all the details of what was a closed-door discussion with the South Sudan NGO working group, the British embassy in Juba, and UK Special Representative for South Sudan Clare Staunton, but given the recent (and justified) attention on Sudan, I think it's important to remember the desperate situation in neighbouring South Sudan. A few statistics stand out: ➡ 9 million people (75% of the population) are classified as "in need", including 1.7 million malnourished children, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) ➡ 1.3 million people have been affected by flooding (UNOCHA), which has displaced 700,000 people (Ministry of Water) ➡ 2 million people in South Sudan are internally displaced (UNOCHA) - largely due to flooding and conflict ➡ More than 800,000 people have fled to South Sudan to escape the conflict in neighbouring Sudan (UNOCHA) The meeting shed light on the increasing challenges faced by the local population in South Sudan and by the NGOs trying to provide medical and humanitarian support. It also covered the policy challenges posed by yet another delay to national elections that were scheduled to take place in December. To read more on these aspects, please read my extended post on my Substack newsletter, perspicacity: https://lnkd.in/gVdY2wEC with Natalia Chan, Laban Ashioya, Pia P., Jodie Winston, Kamba Anthony, Lindsay Sohn, Kim Nelson, Elise Nalbandian, Megan Greenhalgh MSc, Mark Adams, Jodie Winston, David Adam, rosalind marsden #SouthSudan #elections #humanitarianaid #conflict #Sudan #refugees

« The world’s largest humanitarian crisis has unfolded to widespread indifference and cynicism. That cannot continue. There is no more time to be lost. » The Australian Council for International Development will continue to call on the Australian Government to respond with a further $50m of humanitarian funding to Sudan. It is urgent and it is so desperately needed. We were one of a few like-countries who did not pledge at the Paris Conference on Sudan. Shame. Australia must do better and must respond to need where it is greatest. Geography and distance are not good enough excuses to ignore Sudan. This years federal budget has shown that the government is not ready to show global leadership on humanitarian action, with an astonishing decline of humanitarian global funding in real terms. Those who have the greatest need across our world have been left behind. Guardian editorial on Sudan: https://lnkd.in/eY3fS54r ACFID letter co-signed with our members and the Sudanese Australian Advocacy Network to Minister Wong, calling for an additional $50m in new and additional funding: https://lnkd.in/eTZAe9cW ACFID 2024-25 budget analysis: https://lnkd.in/efSrvD-k #humanitarian #federalbudget #sudan