ICRC Humanitarian Outlook 2026 A World Succumbing to War

The 2026 Humanitarian Outlook presents a stark assessment of today’s conflicts and their impact on civilians worldwide. Drawing on field realities from more than 100 armed conflicts, it analyses the accelerating erosion of the rules of war, the rise of dehumanizing narratives, the shrinking space for principled humanitarian action and the retreat of global responsibility.
Through data, testimonies and expert analysis, the publication highlights how civilians are increasingly exposed to unrestrained violence, harmful information, and the long-term consequences of protracted crises. It concludes with five urgent priorities for States to reduce human suffering, protect humanitarian workers, uphold international humanitarian law and strengthen global solidarity.
This Outlook is an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, humanitarian practitioners and anyone seeking to understand the shifting landscape of contemporary conflict.