Get informed, Donate, Give attention - DONARE is an information portal about donations, humanitarian aid and humanitarian crises worldwide. On our website you will find the latest humanitarian news, background information on humanitarian work, aid organizations, humanitarian emergencies and details on how you can help, whether as a donor or through other means. DONARE stands by the most vulnerable people.
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.
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.
Eight 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 more than 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.
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.
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 2024, some 300 million people required humanitarian assistance and protection. As of October, 315 million people require humanitarian assistance, with only a fraction of these people having been reached so far.
South Sudan is in the midst of a dire 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. More than 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.
In Haiti, millions of people need humanitarian aid to fight hunger, amid a deteriorating security situation. Armed gangs control or influence up to 90 percent of the capital. 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.
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 has been raging in Gaza for more than a year, where people are dying of violence, disease and starvation, with the threat of famine imminent.
The scale of the humanitarian catastrophe 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 across the country. Over the course of eighteen months, more than 11.6 million people have been displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance now stands at 24.8 million - half of Sudan's population.
In September 2024, hostilities in Lebanon were massively escalated by Israel, with thousands of airstrikes carried out widely across Lebanese territory. The escalation of the war has caused significant civilian casualties and injuries, and triggered mass displacement, with more than 1.7 million people forced to flee. Before the recent deterioration of the situation throughout Lebanon, the country was already in the grip of a protracted humanitarian crisis.
Donare.info does not require any financial support and does not collect donations itself. DONARE's goal is to disseminate information about humanitarian organizations, humanitarian crises and humanitarian developments around the world to a large number of people, thus encouraging donations and other ways to help. Many millions of people around the world are in desperate need and deserve our attention and support.
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.
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 thirteen charity organizations and one alliance that deliver emergency humanitarian aid needed in crises worldwide.
The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are suffering from one of the most complex and protracted humanitarian crises, with 25.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. At the same time, the DRC faces one of the world's most neglected displacement crises, with more than 8.4 million women, children, and men in the country forced to flee their homes. For decades, the DR Congo has endured multiple, overlapping crises, mainly driven by conflict and forced displacement, both of which are having devastating consequences.
The world is plagued by further humanitarian crises that should neither be forgotten nor neglected. Though DONARE presently does not compile a complete crisis profile, here are snapshots of some of these humanitarian situations. The emergency situations include: the hunger crisis in Southern Africa due to historic drought, the crisis in Madagascar due to ongoing food insecurity and vulnerability to climate-related disasters; the crisis in Malawi due to drought and flooding; and the ongoing crisis in the Western Sahara.
People in Somalia are facing one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world. The crisis is driven by conflict, displacement, food insecurity, political instability, climatic shocks, poverty and economic decline. A devastating drought in the country that began in 2020 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 and 2024 has alleviated the impact of the severe and protracted historic drought.
The number of forcibly displaced people continues to rise. As of October 2024, more than 123 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events that seriously disrupted public order. At the end of 2023, more than 117 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. Some 68 million were uprooted from their homes by conflict and remain displaced within their own countries as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Another 38 million were refugees, while tens of millions more were asylum-seekers, returnees or stateless people.
More than nine 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 11,500 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.
Numerous aid agencies around the world provide urgently needed humanitarian support internationally. These humanitarian organizations respond to wars, conflicts, natural disasters and complex emergencies by providing food, water, shelter, medical care and other life-saving aid. In the DONARE Directory of Humanitarian Aid Agencies, you will find brief descriptions of well-known and influential international UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Red Cross-affiliated organizations that respond to humanitarian crises worldwide and whose work you can support with a donation.
Global hunger levels remain alarmingly high. As of October 2024, at least 25 million people are on the brink of famine. The world produces more than enough food to feed the global population, but up to ten percent of the people around the globe still go hungry. Between 713 and 757 million people faced hunger in 2023; some 282 million people around the world were acutely food insecure and in need of urgent assistance.
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.
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 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?
Medical humanitarian assistance and support for health services are urgently needed in crises around the world. A UN agency and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specialize in providing health care in humanitarian crises or in the urgent delivery of medicines to people affected by conflicts and disasters.
Giving back to others by volunteering your time and skills can be rewarding and impactful. There are several opportunities to volunteer in humanitarian aid around the world, particularly for young people and those with extensive work experience. Volunteering can also be a good way to gain insight if you are considering a career in the humanitarian sector at home or abroad, or if you want to get a foot in the door at the United Nations.
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.
Within weeks, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has created one of the largest humanitarian disasters globally. By October 2024, more than 36,000 civilians were recorded killed or wounded as a result of the war, while 42,000 people were recorded missing. 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.
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.
The DONARE Glossary provides definitions of basic terms relevant to humanitarian assistance and the work of aid organizations worldwide, as well as explanations of important common acronyms such as CERF, ECHO, ERC, GBV, HC, HCT, HDI, HRP, IASC, IDP, IHL, IPC, OCHA, RRP, SGBV, UNHAS, or WASH. The Glossary also contains key terms related to International Humanitarian Law.
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. People in Syria have been subject to massive and systematic violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Since 2011, hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed and maimed, and millions have been forced to flee. 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, two thirds of the Syrian population are in need of assistance.
The Sahel region is facing one of the fastest-growing humanitarian crises in the world, with more than 35 million people in need of humanitarian aid in 2024. 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 change is causing natural disasters such as heavy flooding to occur with increasing frequency and severity.
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. Why not help those in dire need? If you are looking for some ideas, how to support people trapped in humanitarian crises, here they are.
Three years after the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan remains in the grip of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Millions of people in Afghanistan are experiencing misery and hunger in the midst of decades of conflict. The cumulative effects of violent conflict, internal displacement, drought and other natural disasters have dramatically increased humanitarian needs throughout Afghanistan. The country is vulnerable to natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.
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 7 million Venezuelans have fled to Latin American and Caribbean countries, out of nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have left their country. In 2024, at least 7.6 million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance in the South American country.
Despite a temporary improved security environment, the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado continues to force people to flee their homes. Violence by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) has displaced nearly one million people. 2.3 million children, women, and men in Mozambique will require humanitarian aid in 2024, most of them in Cabo Delgado and neighboring Niassa and Nampula provinces. 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.
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. Nearly half of its population – 46 percent - requires humanitarian aid in 2024. 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.
The overall humanitarian situation in Ethiopia has improved significantly in the past year, but 20 million people will still need emergency aid in 2024. Millions of Ethiopians remain displaced by conflict, insecurity, and climate-related shocks such as drought or flooding. 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.
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 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 2024, the security situation remains precarious, with an unstable political situation and ongoing displacement outside the country.
The United States is home to a large number of humanitarian organizations that work internationally to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance overseas. These aid agencies respond to natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies, providing food, water, shelter, health care, and other critical support. DONARE has selected 27 well-known and influential humanitarian organizations based in the United States that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. The nonprofits on this list have a significant impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Australia is home to several humanitarian organizations that provide life-saving assistance on the frontlines of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. DONARE has selected thirteen of the largest and most influential non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or aid networks. In addition to these prominent humanitarian organizations, there are many other well-respected charities, relief organizations and aid agencies in Australia that work both locally and internationally. Australians are known as generous donors to international relief efforts and charitable causes.
Canada is home to numerous humanitarian organizations that focus on a diverse range of issues, including but not limited to poverty, health, education, human rights, and emergency response. DONARE has selected 18 prominent Canadian humanitarian organizations that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. The nonprofits on this list have a significant impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide. There are many more Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities and aid groups working both domestically and internationally to address a wide range of challenges.
The United Kingdom offers a diverse landscape of humanitarian organizations, and is home to numerous charities that work on emergency response, poverty, health, education, human rights, and a wide range of other issues. DONARE has selected 25 well-known and influential British humanitarian organizations that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. These charities have a substantial impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
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 1.2 million people from Central America have been uprooted from their homes, while some 7.7 million people across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras face moderate to severe food insecurity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.