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? Who are the key players in humanitarian aid? 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?
Humanitarian Emergencies
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 unnoticed by international news media coverage. DONARE would like to draw your attention to some of the world's worst humanitarian crises. You will find concise profiles of humanitarian emergencies around the globe on the following pages.
Key Players in Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian aid is a complex and multifaceted field involving a network of a wide range of international, regional and national actors, from international organizations and governments to non-governmental organizations and local partner organizations. Each of these actors has a specific role to play in responding to humanitarian crises, providing relief or supporting humanitarian operations.
Forgotten Crises
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.
Where does your money go?
It depends on the organization, how much of your contribution goes into field and program work as opposed to administrative and fundraising expenses. Here are some examples that may influence your decision on which organization to donate to. Be aware the figures might be not fully comparable.
The Largest Humanitarian Donors
Who is the world's largest humanitarian donor? From year to year, the numbers vary on how much money governments and supranational organizations contribute to global humanitarian emergencies. Some countries give much more than others, while other governments keep a low profile. But there were also some stable trends over several years up to 2025. Different calculations lead to slightly diverging results. DONARE's rankings are based on financial data provided by the United Nations.
Websites for Experts and Professionals
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 websites 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.
Information for Journalists
With the exception of severe natural disasters in their early stages - especially when they hit developed countries or emerging economies - most humanitarian crises that impact tens of millions of people worldwide are underreported and many forgotten. Complex emergencies or humanitarian crises caused mainly by war, conflict, persecution and the climate crisis rarely make the headlines, in particular when these crises occur in African or Asian countries.
Humanitarian Jobs
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. DONARE lists some of the best websites and staring points for finding available positions.