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Arab News
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Silent Suffering: When global humanitarian systems fail and local capacities struggle to respond
Across the world, millions of people are trapped in humanitarian crises that barely make the headlines, if they ever do. These are children, women and men — families torn apart, in pain, in tears, or living in fear. Their lives are in danger. Yet, the international humanitarian aid system faces mounting obstacles and disruptions that restrict its ability to save lives. At the same time, national and local capacities lack the resources to cope with these crises. Humanitarian principles are being disregarded. Aid workers are being attacked, access to victims is being restricted and violations of international law have further complicated efforts. Global solidarity, the foundation of multilateral and bilateral cooperation, is in retreat. This has led to shifts or withdrawals of humanitarian funding, as donor governments increasingly prioritize domestic concerns over international aid. Who will save lives, ease suffering and defend human dignity if resources for humanitarian organizations continue to diminish, local capacities are struggling or suddenly abandoned and skepticism toward global humanitarian action prevails? According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 305 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, an increase from previous years. OCHA's data paints a grim picture, highlighting numerous cases of neglected crises. The suffering in Sudan, Haiti, Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Syria, among others, is staggering. Consider just three cases, among more than 40 nations and territories included in the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025, that exemplify the persistent pattern of silent suffering. First, the humanitarian situation in Palestine (Gaza & the West Bank) continues to worsen. The UN estimates that at least $6.6 billion is needed to assist 3.3 million people. Yet, even if funding is secured, humanitarian aid remains constrained by access restrictions, ongoing conflict and political deadlock. Second, the East and Southern Africa region has the largest number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, with Sudan alone accounting for 35 percent of the total. Children bear the heaviest burden — thousands have been orphaned or separated from their families. Third, nearly 6 million people in Haiti — almost half the population — require humanitarian assistance, with 3.9 million facing acute hunger. Malnutrition threatens children, while political instability and violence worsen their plight. The global funding requirement to meet these needs is projected to reach $47 billion. Yet, year after year, UN humanitarian appeals remain chronically underfunded. Local and small organizations often operate with minimal resources. The consequence? Millions are left without food, shelter, medical care, or even basic dignity. This is not just a failure of the humanitarian system; it is a failure of humanity. At the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, themed 'Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response,' I reflected on the profound suffering of displaced people, refugees and those caught in protracted crises. The challenge is not just responding to immediate needs, but also ensuring sustainable solutions for those trapped in cycles of conflict, disaster and neglect. I know from experience that generosity and rapid emergency response save lives, but they are not lasting solutions. Rather, durable peace is the basis for true recovery and resilience. As someone who has lived through war, I bear witness: After years of protracted conflict in Ethiopia, I saw how peace allowed families to return to their farms, parents to work, children to go to school and communities to rebuild. Where conflict persists, suffering deepens, and trauma is passed down through generations. Over the past four decades, globalization has transformed the humanitarian response, enabling the rapid mobilization of resources as part of commitments under the Grand Bargain. Whether through increasing budgets, improving preparedness, strengthening learning, or fostering meaningful participation and empowerment of local and national stakeholders in decision-making, the Grand Bargain's plan of actions 2025–2026 are an expression of solidarity and accountability beyond national borders. However, abrupt funding freezes and reductions in foreign aid by high-income countries, often driven by nationalist policies or justified by concerns over corruption, economic burden, or shifting geopolitical interests, threaten the very foundation of global solidarity and humanitarian accountability. As a result, many organizations are facing severe financial constraints, exacerbating an already dire funding shortfall. At the same time, crises are becoming more complex, with overlapping conflicts, climate shocks and economic instability pushing humanitarian needs to unprecedented levels. The future of humanitarian response depends on addressing systemic challenges in the humanitarian sector and strengthening local leadership to respond to crises. Power and resources must shift to local actors, those who understand their communities best and can respond swiftly. Communities must be equipped to anticipate, mitigate and respond to crises without waiting for international aid that may arrive too late, or not at all. Strengthening local capacities, rather than reinforcing dependence on external relief, should be at the heart of humanitarian action. Investing in prevention and resilience is key to breaking the cycle of dependence on international aid. Among the most vulnerable are children who are often suffering in silence as a result of armed conflict. According to UNICEF, more than 473 million children live in conflict zones, and 47.2 million have been displaced due to violence and war. At SOS Children's Villages International, where I serve as president, we are leveraging digital platforms for family tracing and reunification, forging partnerships for emergency care, protections and providing psychosocial support to restore stability and hope for children affected by crises. Our community-based care models, including foster and kinship care, offer safe and nurturing environments. We believe that empowering local communities is the key to sustainable change. The silent suffering of millions demands renewed focus and global solidarity. Strengthening local capacities and resources, particularly ensuring adequate assistance for children, refugees and those without family care, must be a global priority. Governments, international organizations and individuals must step up to respect the humanitarian charter; not out of charity, but out of a commitment to human dignity, human rights and justice. Every human life holds equal value. No one should be left to suffer in silence. The failure of the global humanitarian system and the lack of local capacity to respond mean another day of lost lives, shattered communities and deepening despair. At the Riyadh forum, humanitarian leaders, policymakers and experts spoke eloquently about innovative approaches to crisis response, from technology to partnerships to humanitarian diplomacy. We listened to speakers from esteemed organizations discuss solutions amid a faltering humanitarian system. Now, it is time for governments and institutions to renew their commitment to humanity and act. But who will listen? • Dr. Dereje Wordofa is the president of SOS Children's Villages International.
Observer
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Unity, solidarity essential in building a better future
Around the world, many nations continue to suffer from crises and political conflicts that have left deep scars on human societies. The devastation in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other regions has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and severe environmental damage. The toll on human life—both physical and psychological—is immense, particularly for the most vulnerable. These effects will not only shape the present but will have long-term consequences for generations to come. The scale of these crises is alarming. Millions of children are forced to live in war zones or flee their homes, becoming refugees in harsh conditions. In addition to armed conflicts, natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires continue to displace people and destroy livelihoods. According to the United Nations' Global Humanitarian Overview 2025, these crises have resulted in declining vaccination rates, deteriorating education systems, rising maternal mortality, and worsening food shortages. The UN estimates that in 2025, around 305 million people worldwide will urgently need humanitarian assistance and protection. Sudan alone accounts for 35 per cent of those in need, while the Middle East and North Africa region has 59 million people requiring aid, including 33 million in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. With global conflicts escalating, 2024 was already one of the deadliest years for civilians in modern history, and 2025 could be even worse unless urgent action is taken. Political conflicts have led to mass displacement, worsening food and healthcare shortages, and a rise in humanitarian crises. More than 280 million people struggle daily to access sufficient food, as war-torn communities are unable to sustain agricultural production. Violations of international humanitarian laws, especially against women and children, have further exacerbated suffering, highlighting the urgent need for global intervention and accountability. Another major challenge is the growing climate crisis. The world has now surpassed the critical 1.5°C global temperature increase, triggering more frequent and severe natural disasters. The UN reports that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded, leading to the displacement of 26.4 million people due to extreme weather events like droughts and hurricanes. These environmental catastrophes are intensifying food insecurity and making it even harder for affected communities to rebuild. Economic struggles, political instability, and environmental disasters all contribute to human suffering, making it essential to strengthen humanitarian efforts worldwide. Protecting human rights, ensuring access to essential resources, and fostering a culture of peace and cooperation must be global priorities. Every country has a responsibility to contribute to humanitarian work, as we all share this world and its challenges. The annual International Day of Human Fraternity on 4 February serves as a reminder of the importance of humanitarian action. It promotes tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation while advocating for human rights and social solidarity. This day is a call to reject war and violence, encouraging conflict resolution through understanding and peaceful negotiation. While global crises dominate the headlines, acts of humanitarianism also shine through. Many nations have stepped up, condemning wars, advocating for peace, and providing aid to those in need. The suffering in Palestine, for example, has drawn international support, with many countries offering financial and medical assistance to alleviate hardship. Among these nations is Oman, which has consistently upheld the values of peace, dialogue, and humanitarian support. The country has taken a firm stance against violence, strongly condemning attacks in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan. Oman's foreign policy is rooted in diplomacy, good relations, and a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. Oman has played a key role in mediating regional conflicts, including efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis and facilitate negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Beyond diplomacy, the nation actively supports humanitarian causes, providing food, medical supplies, and aid to disaster-stricken regions. The Omani Charitable Organization has extended its reach to Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Africa, embodying the principles of human fraternity and solidarity. These values are deeply embedded in Omani society. Whenever humanitarian appeals arise, Omanis respond with generosity and a sense of shared responsibility. This culture of giving is not just a government policy but a national ethos that reflects the country's commitment to peace, cooperation, and understanding. Oman's approach to humanitarian work serves as a global example. Its steadfast commitment to supporting those in need, promoting peace, and advocating for dialogue demonstrates a model that other nations can follow. In a world fraught with conflict and division, it is vital to uphold and strengthen these principles. As global citizens, we all have a role to play in humanitarian efforts—not only through financial aid but also by raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting peace. Oman's legacy of diplomacy and compassion reminds us that unity and solidarity are essential in building a better future for all. The writer is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council Translated by Badr al Dhafari The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic newspaper on February 1, 2025
