Renewed Appeal 2026: a call to close the humanitarian funding gap
As armed conflicts intensify and financial uncertainty grips the humanitarian sector, our neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action remains a constant for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence worldwide. Yet chronic underfunding increasingly threatens our ability to help people in a principled and effective manner.
In 2026, humanitarian needs have continued to outpace available funding. With four months left in the year, we still face a shortfall of approximately CHF 468 million (as of 1 September). Our Renewed Appeal underscores the importance of flexible, predictable funding, especially in contexts that have fallen out of the spotlight, so help can keep reaching those who need it most.
Out of the headlines, still in crisis
Most of our top underfunded operations are in Africa – including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and South Sudan – where outstanding needs total around CHF 346 million (as of 1 September). Across the region, conflict and other violence continue to drive displacement, disrupt access to basic services and deepen existing fragilities. Climate shocks and disease outbreaks compound these challenges.
Afghanistan, where nearly half of the population depends on humanitarian aid, remains our most underfunded operation. There, our teams work alongside the Afghan Red Crescent Society to help conflict-affected communities access food, clean water, electricity, livelihood sources and health care.
Other contexts – including Israel and the occupied territories, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and Yemen – face the same challenge: large-scale needs persist even as international attention wanes. In these places, our work includes addressing emergency needs, strengthening water, health care and other essential services, helping families stay together or reunite, and promoting international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and of detainees.
Why flexible, predictable funding matters
Our ability to respond to the needs of conflict- and violence-affected people depends not only on the volume of support but also on the quality of the support we are able to provide. Flexible funding allows us to allocate resources where and when they are needed the most. It enables us to respond rapidly as emergencies escalate and to sustain operations in underfunded or overlooked crises. Predictable and timely contributions matter just as much: they give us the stability to plan, strengthen preparedness, and remain present in some of the world’s most difficult environments.
Our commitment
Whether in headline-making conflicts or in crises from which the news has moved on, we remain firmly committed to reaching people in need – with humanity, impartiality and neutrality at the core of everything we do.
