Get informed, Donate, Give attention - DONARE is a new information portal about donations, humanitarian aid and humanitarian crises worldwide, available online since mid-2022. On our website you will find background information on humanitarian work, humanitarian emergencies and details on how you can help, whether as a donor or through other means.
DONARE presents an overview of some of the best and fastest ways to help. Your donations go directly to relief organizations delivering life-saving aid at the front lines of the world’s most severe crises. With your help, humanitarian organizations can reach the most vulnerable people with food, clean water, medicine, shelter and much more when they need it urgently.
The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are suffering one of the most complex and protracted humanitarian crises. The DRC is at the same time facing one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world, and the situation in the country is one of the most neglected displacement crises globally. For decades, the country has endured multiple, overlapping crises driven mainly by conflict and forced displacement; both have devastating consequences.
Myanmar faces multiple overlapping humanitarian needs caused by genocide, persecution, protracted armed conflicts, intercommunal violence and natural disasters. Humanitarian needs in Myanmar have continued to grow due to ongoing armed violence and political unrest since the military coup in February 2021. Myanmar is also one of the most vulnerable countries in South East Asia to natural disasters, facing numerous hazards such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.
The overall humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is marked by a protracted political crisis characterized by 56 years of Israeli military occupation. The humanitarian crisis is aggravated by violence against civilians, lack of respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, internal Palestinian divisions and the recurrent escalation of hostilities between Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups. In October 2023, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip drastically deteriorated following attacks by the Israeli military due to atrocities committed by Palestinian armed groups in Israel. An unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
Worldwide, there are millions of people suffering in humanitarian crises. Many of these people are in urgent need of international assistance to survive. Most of these people suffer hidden from the eyes of the world public. At the start of 2023, a record 339 million people required humanitarian assistance and protection - a significant increase from 274 million people at the start of 2022. As of November, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance this year has now risen to a staggering 365 million. This means that 1 in 22 people in the world are now requiring relief aid.
More than two years after the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan remains in the grips of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Millions in Afghanistan are experiencing misery and hunger amid decades of conflict. The cumulative effects of violent conflict, internal displacement, drought and other natural disasters have drastically increased humanitarian needs throughout Afghanistan. The country is prone to natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.
Many people dream of working in humanitarian aid or are already active in humanitarian affairs and want to find a new career. Even those starting out in the field have a variety of career opportunities. Remember that humanitarian work is both rewarding and demanding. It is important that you approach humanitarian jobs with a sincere desire to make a positive impact on vulnerable communities.Â
The world is plagued by further humanitarian crises that should neither be forgotten nor neglected. The emergency situations include: the crisis in southern Turkey and northern Syria following the devastating earthquakes of early February 2023; the crisis in Pakistan following the record floods of 2022; the crisis in Kenya following the longest and most severe drought on record; the crisis in Madagascar due to ongoing food insecurity and vulnerability to climate-related disasters; the crisis in Malawi due to the deadliest cholera outbreak in the country’s history; the ongoing crisis in the Western Sahara; and the crisis in Libya following Storm Daniel in September 2023.
Political turmoil and socioeconomic decline in Venezuela have led to the worst humanitarian crisis in South America and one of the largest migration crises in the world. Venezuela is experiencing a political and economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, limited food availability, medicine shortages, violent crime, and human right violations. Since 2014, more than 6.5 million Venezuelans have fled to Latin American and Caribbean countries. In 2023, 7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in the South American country.
Seven years after the peace accord between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was signed, the humanitarian situation in Colombia is still marked by large scale internal displacement and insecurity due to armed violence. The country has endured half a century of intense armed conflict, perpetuated by widespread illegal drug production and trafficking and rooted in territorial control by armed groups. The increased impact of natural hazards related to climate change and the integration of 2.9 million Venezuelan refugees are also driving humanitarian needs in Colombia.
Within weeks, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has created one of the largest humanitarian disasters globally. By November 2023, more than 28,500 civilians were recorded killed or wounded as a result of the war. Violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law occurring in the course of the ongoing armed attack are widespread. Millions of civilians fear for their lives. People in Ukraine continue to be killed, wounded and deeply traumatized by the violence. Civilian infrastructure on which they depend continues to be destroyed or damaged.
The scale of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan is unprecedented. On April 15, 2023, conflict broke out between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, causing widespread displacement and exacerbating humanitarian needs throughout the country. Within months, some 6.4 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. The number of people in need of humanitarian aid stands now at 24.7 million people – more than half of Sudan’s population.
South Sudan is in the midst of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis driven by years of brutal civil war. Nearly 400,000 South Sudanese died as a result of the conflict that began in December 2013. Atrocities and attacks on civilians, including widespread sexual violence, defined the civil war. Half of South Sudan's population is facing crisis or worse levels of hunger and in need of urgent humanitarian aid. Extensive flooding, violence and disease outbreak continue to impact people across the country.
People in Somalia are facing one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world. The crisis is driven by conflict, food insecurity, political instability, climatic shocks and economic decline. A devastating drought in the country had reached unprecedented levels in 2022. Five consecutive rainy seasons had failed, the longest and most severe drought in Somalia’s recent history. While humanitarian needs in Somalia remain high, improved access to water and pasture in 2023 has alleviated the impact of the severe and protracted historic drought.
Who is the world's largest humanitarian donor? From year to year, the figures vary on how much money governments and supranational organizations contribute to emergency humanitarian aid worldwide. One country is contributing much more, while other governments keep a low profile. But there are also some stable trends over several years. Different calculations lead to slightly diverging results. DONARE's rankings are based on financial data provided by the United Nations.
In Haiti, millions of people need humanitarian aid to fight hunger, amid a deteriorating security situation. The country has a long history of natural disasters and remains highly vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. In January 2010, Haiti was hit by a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0. It is estimated that more than 300,000 people died and about 1.5 million were left homeless. The earthquake was rated as the worst in the region in the last 200 years. On 14 August 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Haiti, killing more than 2,200 people, affecting over 800,000 people and causing widespread destruction.
The Syrian conflict is one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises worldwide. The crisis continues to cause tremendous human suffering to people both inside and outside the country. Since 2011 hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed and maimed, and millions have been forced to flee. People in Syria have been subject to massive and systematic violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. While continuing conflict in some parts of the country, record highs of food prices, an economic crisis, ongoing displacement, climatic shocks and disease continue to exacerbate humanitarian needs, more than two thirds of the Syrian population are in need of assistance.
As of September 2023, more than 114 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence or human rights abuses. Internally displaced persons are those who have fled violence, human-made or natural disasters, but have not crossed an internationally recognized border and stay within their own country. Refugees are those who have crossed an international border. You can help directly by supporting one of the international organizations focussed on helping refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Human rights and humanitarian aid are closely intertwined. In humanitarian crises around the world the most basic human rights are threatened: the right to live, the right to health. More often than not human rights violations are the cause of a crisis or at the center of it. Humanitarian organizations also must respect the rights of people in need and must pay attention to them in the provision of emergency relief.Â
The climate crisis - one of the greatest challenges of our time - is already having a devastating impact on people and ecosystems and fueling hunger and conflict in the world's worst crisis hotspots. The effects of climate change will intensify in the coming years, leading to a further increase in humanitarian emergencies.
Despite an improved security environment, the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado continues to force people to flee their homes. Violence has displaced nearly one million people. At least two million people in Cabo Delgado and neighboring Niassa and Nampula provinces are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. Mozambique - also susceptible to climate shocks and frequent natural hazards such as drought, floods and tropical storms - was hit twice by Cyclone Freddy in early 2023.
Tired of donating? No money to give? Several humanitarian aid organizations allow you to set up and run your own fundraiser for a specific occasion or on a topic of your own choosing. A distinction must be made between traditional fundraising campaigns, for example as part of an event, and online fundraising campaigns. Many non-governmental organizations offer both.Â
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been among the most neglected humanitarian crises for several years in a row. The country has been troubled by violent unrest since 2012. More than half of its population – 56 percent - requires humanitarian aid in 2023. While insecurity and violence against civilians continue to force Central Africans to flee their homes, humanitarian and development actors are helping many internally displaced persons and refugees to resume a normal life after several years of displacement.
Faith-based organizations, particularly Christian charities, play a significant role in providing humanitarian assistance around the world. If you prefer donating to a faith-based organization as opposed to a secular humanitarian organization, DONARE has selected eleven charity organizations that deliver emergency humanitarian aid needed in crises worldwide.
Millions of children are threatened by humanitarian crises around the world. Many are at the center of wars, armed conflicts, persecution, natural disasters, and other complex crises. Children pay a high price for humanitarian crises. They have often experienced or witnessed acts of violence and are at risk of neglect, violence, abuse, exploitation, human trafficking, or military recruitment. Children's rights are under threat all over the world.Â
Medical humanitarian assistance and health services support are urgently needed in crisis around the world. Some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specialize in providing health care in humanitarian crises or the urgent provision of medicines to people affected by conflicts and disasters. DONARE has selected five NGOs that - with different focuses - provide emergency medical aid in humanitarian crises globally: Médecins Sans Frontières, Médecins du monde, International Medical Corps, Direct Relief and MAP International.
Globally, levels of hunger remain alarmingly high. Up to 50 million people in 45 countries are on the brink of famine. Worldwide, more than enough food is produced to feed the global population, but as much as 10 percent of people around the globe still go hungry. Between 691 and 783 million people faced hunger in 2022. Around 258 million people were acutely food insecure last year and in need of urgent assistance across 58 countries and territories around the world.
The overall humanitarian situation in Ethiopia deteriorated significantly in 2022 before improving substantially in 2023. Millions of Ethiopians remain displaced by conflict, insecurity, and climate-related shocks such as the ongoing drought. Ethiopia faces multiple causes of instability. Years of drought and conflict have left millions of Ethiopians without enough to eat. Many people have no water, medicine, food or shelter and fear for their lives.
DONARE provides background information on humanitarian work and donations as well as humanitarian emergencies. Learn more about the world's most serious crises, which afflict many millions of people. Perhaps you are also concerned with other questions: Where are the forgotten crises of our time to be found? Or where does my donation money go? You can also get an overview of websites aimed at experts and insiders in the field of humanitarian aid, find humanitarian jobs or investigate the question: Who is among the largest humanitarian donors in the world?
Donations can make a big difference and are desperately needed, but there are many more ways to support humanitarian work and to have an impact. If you need some ideas, how to help people trapped in humanitarian crises, here they are.
There are several ways to start an official or private petition. Or you can find one you want to support and sign it. Your options depend in part on where you live. In the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union, rules exist for official petitions to parliaments, and a public infrastructure allows petitions to be easily submitted and signed electronically; in the United States, however, these requirements are lacking. Please note: Unofficial petitions have no legal binding force and are often not addressed to parliaments or their petitions committees.
DONARE supports humanitarian organizations worldwide. The website is a starting point and gateway for donations that make a difference. DONARE is not a humanitarian organization but a private volunteer project and does not accept donations itself. Based on the belief, that every individual and his or her actions matter, DONARE encourages you to donate or otherwise contribute to providing urgent support to people in crisis hotspots around the world.
Donating and paying attention are closely linked. Around the world, there are millions of people suffering, far from the limelight, hidden from the eyes of the global public. Many of these people are in urgent need of international support to survive. Forgotten crises are humanitarian emergencies that do not make the international headlines and do not attract enough political attention, so that the people affected receive no or insufficient aid.
Since late 2019, Lebanon has been facing a complex humanitarian crisis due to several large socioeconomic shocks, ongoing political instability, and the steep deterioration of the economy. Hyperinflation, the depreciation of the Lebanese Pound (LBP), and lack of livelihood opportunities have exacerbated poverty and fueled hunger. Lebanon remains the world’s biggest refugee-hosting country per capita.
The overall humanitarian situation in Burundi remains tense and serious human rights violations continue. Burundians are facing a humanitarian crisis characterized by food insecurity, violence, natural hazards and economic decline. The people of Burundi experience a triple burden: high climate risk, widespread poverty and conflict. Even though the worst of the violence has subsided in 2023, the security situation remains precarious, with an unstable political situation and ongoing displacement outside the country.
The Sahel region is facing on of the fastest-growing humanitarian crises in the world. And at the same time, it is one of the most forgotten.  Armed conflict, deteriorating security, political instability, and widespread poverty are the main drivers of unprecedented humanitarian needs, particularly in the central Sahel region, which includes the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This deteriorating humanitarian emergency is further compounded by the impact of the climate crisis and global food insecurity. Rapid climate changes are causing natural disasters to occur with increasing frequency and severity.
Do you want to make a direct connection with a country and a young person? Individual charities facilitate child sponsorship around the world. Child sponsorships are programs that match children in need and suffering with sponsors around the world. However, child sponsorships do not usually count as emergency aid and are not offered so much for countries with an acute emergency situation, but are more a form of cooperation for sustainable development.
Those who want to learn more about humanitarian work around the world can take a look at websites that are mainly used by professionals. DONARE has compiled an overview of internet sites and digital services aimed at experts and insiders in the field of humanitarian aid. Some of the humanitarian information services can also be helpful for journalists researching crisis situations.Â
The North of Central America (NCA) – also called the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA) – is a sub-region comprising El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and one of the most dangerous places on earth. Nicaragua is bordering the Northern Triangle. Gang violence, threats, extortion, persecution and sexual violence have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of safety. More than 1.1 million people from Central America have been uprooted from their homes while some 3.6 million people across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras face acute hunger.
More than eight years of armed conflict in Yemen have caused tens of thousands of civilian casualties and forced millions to flee their homes, making Yemen one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, for many still the world‘s worst humanitarian crisis. More than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed since the beginning of the conflict, and thousands more have been recruited as child soldiers. The war in Yemen turned a formerly poor country into a humanitarian catastrophe.
Vulnerable groups in humanitarian crises may include women and girls, children, refugees and displaced persons, LGBTI people, elderly people, people with disabilities, people with acute or chronic diseases, religious or ethnic minorities, and indigenous peoples. These populations may face additional risks and challenges during crisis situations, and may require targeted assistance and support to address their specific needs. Humanitarian emergencies can exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of these groups.
It depends on the organization, how much of your contribution goes into field and programme work as opposed to administrative and fundraising expenses. Here are some examples that may influence your decision on which organisation to donate to. Be aware the figures might be not fully comparable.
Hold your government and politicians accountable to aid pledges and political promises by writing letters to your local Member of Parliament or parliamentary representative. Use your voice to urge government leaders to make international humanitarian assistance and the resolution of violent conflicts their top priority. DONARE has compiled some information for you on how to contact your representative or senator in the Unites States, your local MP in the United Kingdom or the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in your country.