The Impacts of Humanitarian Crises

The consequences of humanitarian crises are manifold and usually threaten the lives of the
population in the affected areas. The impacts are varied and can be categorized as follows:

 Displacement during crisis

 Hunger
 Health Impacts of humanitarian crises
 Impact on Education
 Gender-based violence (GBV)

Displacement during crisis

According to International Organization for Migration (IOM) is “the movement of
persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual
residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations
of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural or human-made disasters.
(Migration Data Portal, 2024) According to the United Nations High Commission for
Refugees (UNHCR) in 2022 to May of 2023 the global figure exceeds 110 million people forced
to flee from persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations.

The countries with the rates of displacement due to conflict, violence, disasters, and climate
change are:

 Sudan
  Afghanistan
 Syria
 Pakistan
 Palestine

Sudan

Sudan has been grappling with conflict and displacement since the start of the Darfur
crisis in 2003. More than one year since the most recent conflict in Sudan began, more than 10.2
million Sudanese people have been displaced within the country or are living in neighboring
countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia. Prior to the current conflict, Sudan
was also hosting 1 million refugees from neighboring countries including South Sudan and
Northern Ethiopia, with many fleeing conflict in Tigray. The most recent conflict occurred on
April 15th, 2023, with violent clashes erupting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and
the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in multiple cities across Sudan. More than 7.9
million people have been displaced within Sudan’s borders and many more are seeking safety in
neighboring countries - notably to Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and
Ethiopia.

Afghanistan

After more than 40 years, Afghan refugees continue to make up one of the largest and
most protracted displacement situations under UNHCR’s mandate. An estimated 23.7 million
people–more than half of Afghanistan’s population–will require humanitarian and protection
assistance in 2024 as the situation in the country continues to deteriorate (UNHCR). Globally,
nearly 10.9 million Afghans remained displaced, almost all within their country or in
neighboring countries. In 2023, the number of Afghan refugees reported globally increased by
741,400 to reach 6.4 million, mostly reflecting new population reported by both the Islamic
Republic of Iran and Pakistan. In 2021, events leading up to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in
August exacerbated displacement throughout the country. More than 3.2 million people in the
country remain displaced from their homes. The impact of the conflict on women and girls has
been particularly devastating – over 70 percent of all forcibly displaced within Afghanistan are
women and children.
Syria

After more than a decade, the humanitarian situation in Syria is more difficult than ever.
An estimated 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance and more than half of the
population remains displaced from their homes - including more than 5 million refugees living in
neighboring countries and more than 7.2 million internally displaced inside Syria. Women and
children comprise more than two thirds of those displaced (UNHCR). On February 6, 2023, two
powerful earthquakes struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, claiming thousands of
lives and causing untold destruction to homes and infrastructure across the region. The
earthquake impacted 8.8 million people across the country, many of whom had already been
displaced. This is a crisis on top of existing crises already impacting internally displaced Syrians
and Syrian refugees.

Pakistan

It is consistently ranked among the ten most vulnerable countries to the effects of global
climate change. The country is under stress from various natural hazards, including seismic
activity originating in the Himalaya region, along with numerous hydro meteorological hazards
such as flooding, cyclones, droughts, and adverse weather, which are expected to intensify and
affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people, and also exacerbate existing population
vulnerabilities. Millions of people were impacted by the destructive 2022 Pakistan floods and
landslides straight after the monsoon season. The country still continues to struggle in the
aftermath of the worst flooding in decades. More than 33 million people were impacted, 90
districts hit, and an estimated 8 million people were displaced (IOM, 2024).

Palestine

For decades, Israel has been subjecting Palestinians in Gaza to various forms of settler-
colonial violence, manifesting in besieging 2.3 million people in the world’s largest open-air
prison for over 17 years of illegal blockade and closure, whereas Israel has denied them of a
panoply of fundamental rights and created dire living conditions that have eroded the essential
foundations of Palestinians in Gaza as a group, a series of military assaults, Israeli policies aimed
at disrupting the social fabric and altering the demography in Gaza, among other policies and
practices. Since 7 October 2023, and as of 12 May 2024, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at
least 35,091 Palestinians, 70 percent of whom are women and children, and injured 78,827
others, with some 10,000 still missing or under the rubble, according to the Palestinian Ministry
of Health. In the first 48 days alone, Israel has killed over 15,000 Palestinians, which is around
the same number of Palestinians killed by Zionist militias and the Israeli military between 1947
and 1949. Over 60 percent of all housing units in Gaza have been either destroyed or damaged;
and around 1.7 million people, approximately 75 percent of the population, have been
internally displaced, while noting that the numbers may be even higher given the Rafah invasion
and recurring ground invasions in northern Gaza, restricted and denied access to humanitarian
aid leading to a full-blown famine in northern Gaza, “moving its way south” (Zaanoun, 2024).

Hunger

It is defined by the United Nations as the periods when people experience severe food
insecurity—meaning that they go for entire days without eating due to lack of money, access to
food, or other resources (FAO & WFP, 2023). Interconnected issues of poverty, inequity,
conflict, climate change, , and weak government and health systems all play a role in keeping
nutritious food out of reach for millions of families around the world. The IPC (Integrated Food
Security Phase Classification) categorized the food security into fives phases,

 Food security (IPC Phase 1): People are "food secure" when they have access to
sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy
life. The priority of the World Food Programme (WFP) is to achieve this phase globally,
in line with Sustainable Development Goal 2, to end hunger.
 Food insecurity (IPC Phase 2): This phase relates to when people have trouble meeting
their basic needs and have to make significant changes to support their non-food needs.
They have unsustainable incomes.
 Acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3): Acute food insecurity is when some people can
meet their minimal food needs only by selling essential possessions, and when others are
using up essential resources to support a limited diet. There are limited food choices and
people must go to extreme lengths to get the calories they need.
 Humanitarian emergency (IPC Phase 4): This stage is defined by people facing
extreme food shortages, where acute malnutrition levels are high and the risk of hunger-
related deaths is rapidly increasing.
  Famine (IPC Phase 5): The most severe phase of hunger. At least two out of every
10,000 people die of starvation or disease in famine conditions. More than 30 percent of
the population is acutely malnourished, and there is total loss of income.

According to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), nearly 282 million people in 59
countries and territories experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2023 - a worldwide increase
of 24M from the previous year. This rise was due to the report’s increased coverage of food
crisis contexts as well as a sharp deterioration in food security, especially in the Gaza Strip and
the Sudan. Children and women are at the forefront of these hunger crises, with over 36 million
children under 5 years of age acutely malnourished across 32 countries, the report shows. There
has also been an increase of 1 million people facing Emergency (IPC/CH Phase 4) levels of acute
food insecurity across 39 countries and territories, with the biggest increase in the Sudan. In
2023, more than 705,000 people were at the Catastrophe (IPC/CH Phase 5) level of food
insecurity and at risk of starvation. The current situation in the Gaza Strip accounts for 80
percent of those facing imminent famine, along with South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia and
Mali. Recent data revealed that Palestinians in Gaza are now forced to eat an average of only one
meal per day due to the Israeli blockade of aid into the enclave, leading to a severe food
shortage.50,000 children in Gaza require treatment for malnutrition (Dialogue Pakistan, 2024).
Health Impacts of humanitarian crises
Humanitarian crises, whether caused by natural disasters, armed conflicts, or disease
outbreaks, have severe and far-reaching impacts on the health of affected populations. These
crises often lead to the disruption of healthcare systems, increased risk of infectious diseases, and
exacerbation of existing health problems. Here are some of the key health impacts of
humanitarian crises,

 Disruption of Healthcare Systems

 Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases
 Exacerbation of Existing Health Problems
 Mental Health Impacts
 Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups

Disruption of Healthcare Systems

Humanitarian crisis lead to significant disruptions in healthcare systems. During such
events, healthcare facilities may be severely damaged or completely destroyed, resulting in a
drastic reduction in available medical services. For instance, in conflict zones like Sudan, reports
indicate that only one-third of hospitals are operational due to ongoing violence and targeted
attacks on healthcare infrastructure. The conflict has severely impacted health facilities,
with 84% of all health facilities damaged, resulting in costs upwards of $554 million in Palestine
the fragmentation of healthcare services often forces the remaining facilities to operate beyond
their capacity, leading to overcrowding and further deterioration of care quality. Currently from
the Ministry of Health and NGO fixed hospitals, there's only 800 hospital beds in service from
the 3,500, plus 600 field hospital beds, for a population of 2.2 million people. In addition to
physical damage, the insecurity associated with humanitarian crises often prevents healthcare
workers from reaching their workplaces. Many healthcare professionals may flee conflict areas
or become victims of violence themselves, exacerbating the shortage of trained personnel. 500
healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s military assault began in October.
This equates to an average of two healthcare workers killed every day, with one in every 40
healthcare workers, or 2.5% of Gaza’s healthcare workforce, now dead.

Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases

Crises create environments conducive to the rapid spread of infectious diseases due to
several interrelated factors. Overcrowding in displacement camps and urban areas, combined
with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water, significantly heightens the risk of
outbreaks. For example, during the Syrian refugee crisis, conditions in camps led to outbreaks of
communicable diseases, including measles and cholera, as living conditions deteriorated and
vaccination programs were disrupted. Gaza currently faces an enormous infectious disease
caseload, with 700,000 officially reported cases. However, during and after emergencies, people
are at significant risk of contracting infectious diseases from inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene
practices, and lack of access to safe water. Without clean water, illnesses like diarrhea, parasites,
and chronic intestinal inflammation are common. They can prevent people from absorbing key
nutrients and make them more susceptible to malnutrition and other health issues. The
consequences of increased infectious disease risk during humanitarian crises extend beyond
immediate health impacts. They can lead to long-term health complications, increased healthcare
costs, and a greater burden on already fragile health systems. The resurgence of diseases can also
impede recovery efforts, as communities may face ongoing health challenges that hinder their
ability to rebuild and regain stability.

Exacerbation of Existing Health Problems

Crises significantly exacerbate pre-existing health problems, particularly for individuals
with chronic conditions. As healthcare systems become overwhelmed or entirely disrupted,
access to routine medical care and essential medications is severely limited. For instance,
individuals with diabetes may find it difficult to obtain insulin, leading to complications such as
diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia. Research indicates that in crisis settings, patients
often experience unexpected symptoms related to their chronic conditions due to inadequate
management. This lack of access not only increases morbidity and mortality rates among those
with chronic illnesses. Moreover, the interplay between chronic diseases and emerging health
issues during humanitarian crises creates a complex landscape of multi-morbidity. For example,
individuals with pre-existing conditions may be at heightened risk for infectious diseases,
malnutrition, or mental health disorders, which can further complicate their health status.

Mental Health Impacts

The mental health impacts of humanitarian crises are profound and often overlooked in
the immediate aftermath of such events. The psychological toll on individuals and communities
can be significant, with many experiencing acute stress reactions, grief, and trauma due to
violence, displacement, and loss. Studies indicate that rates of mental health disorders, including
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, can reach alarming levels in
crisis-affected populations, with estimates suggesting that 15-20% of individuals may experience
these conditions. The stressors inherent in humanitarian crises—such as uncertainty, loss of
loved ones, and disruption of social networks—can lead to long-term psychological
consequences, affecting individuals' ability to function and reintegrate into their communities.
Additionally, the psychological stress associated with displacement and insecurity can further
complicate the health of pregnant women, impacting both maternal and fetal outcomes. In many
humanitarian settings, mental health services are scarce or entirely absent, and healthcare
providers may lack the training to address psychological needs effectively. To effectively
address the mental health impacts of humanitarian crises, it is crucial to integrate mental health
care into emergency response efforts. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical health
needs, humanitarian organizations can contribute to the overall well-being and recovery of
individuals and communities in crisis settings.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups

Humanitarian crises disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children,

pregnant women and girls have specific health needs, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
These populations often face additional barriers to accessing healthcare and are at heightened
risk for adverse health outcomes during crises. The impact of these health challenges can be
devastating, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates among the youngest and most
vulnerable members of society. Pregnant women also face significant risks during humanitarian
crises, as access to prenatal and maternal healthcare is often severely limited. In conflict zones or
disaster-affected areas, the loss of healthcare facilities and trained personnel can lead to
complications during pregnancy and childbirth, increasing the likelihood of maternal and
neonatal mortality. For example, in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, reports indicate
that many women are unable to receive essential prenatal care, resulting in preventable
complications and deaths. Rape increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancies. People with disabilities are another group that
experiences exacerbated vulnerabilities during humanitarian crises. They often encounter
physical barriers to accessing healthcare services and may require specialized care that is
unavailable in crisis settings. Furthermore, the chaos and instability during crises can lead to
increased neglect, abuse, and social isolation for individuals with disabilities. Addressing the
needs of these vulnerable populations requires targeted interventions that prioritize their health
and well-being.

Education

Are targeted for sexual violence in

Syria by armed groups and in their
countries of asylum by multiple
opportunistic perpetrators, including
landlords, taxi drivers, neighbors, and
authority figures, among
others. They are particularly vulnerable
given limited legal protections and
their “double stigma” as both
older boys and men from their
community as well as host
communitiesEducation
It is a fundamental right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and it
extends to all children, including those experiencing crisis. Crises, such as conflict and climate
shocks, disrupt education causing children to leave schools. However, over two-thirds of those
who continue their education do not achieve proficiency in reading or math. Everyone has the
right to education. However, 224 million children affected by crises need educational support,
including more than 72 million who cannot attend school. Those who can continue learning face
numerous barriers to accessing a quality education (International Rescue Committee, 2023).
Families affected by crises are often displaced for long periods of time, with refugees
experiencing an average displacement of 20 years and internally displaced people an average of
10 years. If world leaders do not address the educational barriers that arise during crises, it is
estimated that 825 million youth will lack the necessary skills to contribute to the workforce by
2030. During a crisis, vulnerable groups particularly women and girls are often excluded from
education due to discrimination, violence and harmful practices like child marriage. This leads to
young girls dropping out of school to take on domestic tasks or generate income. Displaced
children face challenges accessing quality education including adapting to new schools and
cultures that impact their learning ability. Attacks on education and military use of schools
during armed conflict rose by an alarming 20 per cent in 2022 and 2023 compared with the
previous two years, according to a new report by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from
Attack (GCPEA) (Hovering, 2024),

 Around 6,000 attacks on education took place in 2022 and 2023.

 Over 10,000 students and educators were harmed, injured, or killed in these attacks
globally.
 Over the past two years, on average, eight attacks on education institute of Gaza were
recorded daily, preventing students from studying and accessing education.

Gender-based violence (GBV)

It is one of the most widespread human rights abuses in the world, affecting individual l s
and impacting entire communities. It is a distinct protection risk which is exacerbated during
crises and threatens crisis-affected persons everywhere that IOM operates. According to the
Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) GBV is defined as, "any harmful act that is
perpetrated against a person's will and that is based on socially ascribed (i.e. gender) differences
between males and females." It can include incidents of forced marriage,
psychological/emotional abuse, physical assault, denial of resources, opportunities or services,
sexual assault and rape. Globally, women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-
based violence (GBV), including sexual violence (SV), and due to gender inequality and
discrimination. In humanitarian emergencies, the risk of GBV, including SV, increases. At the
time when half of the world population was in lockdown due to COVID-19, the number of
women and girls between ages of 15 and 49 who had been subjected to sexual and/or physical
violence perpetrated by an intimate partner (GBV) was no less than 243 million (UN Women,
2020) During conflict and disasters, pre-existing gender inequalities can be magnified including
women and girls’ risks of facing gender-based violence. Women often have to choose between
leaving displacements camps in search for food and water but face sexual violence as a result,
and staying within the camps but having to trade sex for survival. In Haiti, women and girls
suffer violence from armed gangs. In Sudan, women and girls fleeing the conflict are reporting
harrowing accounts of sexual violence, sexual exploitation and harassment by armed forces and
parties to the conflict. Men, boys, and/including people with diverse sexual orientations, gender
identities, and people with disabilities also experience SV during emergencies. Lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons are targeted for sexual violence in Syria by
armed groups and in their countries of asylum by multiple opportunistic perpetrators, including
landlords, taxi drivers, neighbors, and among others. They are particularly vulnerable given
limited legal protections. Sexual violence against boys in countries of asylum. Refugee boys
suffer sexual violence at the hands of older boys and men from their community as well as host
communities (Chynoweth, 2017). An internal UN report describes widespread abuse of
Palestinian detainees in Israeli detention centers, including beatings, dog attacks, the prolonged
use of stress positions and sexual assault (Borger, 2024).

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