Rise in global humanitarian need much more than predicted

Learn how the need for global humanitarian assistance is on the rise and how Children Believe is helping

We’ve seen how the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine is spurring global humanitarian need. And now, a Global Humanitarian Assistance report, released by Development Initiatives, shows socioeconomic fragility, climate change and conflict are three factors increasing needs further than predicted.

“An estimated 306-million people were assessed to be in need, 90 million more than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the report summary. That’s more people than the 235 million the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated would be in need before the start of last year.

The report also noted funding for humanitarian assistance grew by 10 percent per year between 2012 and 2018 but has since plateaued, except for a modest 2.5-percent growth in 2021.

At Children Believe, we work with Canadian donors, governments, civil-society organizations, the private sector and communities to overcome barriers, develop skills and provide resources vulnerable families need to overcome poverty and injustice.

We continue to support children and communities through humanitarian crises such as in Burkina Faso where nearly two-million people have been driven from their homes following militant attacksChildren Believe is partnering with UNICEF to help more than 25,000 of these displaced children at 55 child-friendly spaces.

Learn how you can help children and their communities by sponsoring a child today.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

About Inspiring Stories

October 2025

Recipe for success

In Ethiopia’s Oromia region, irrigation training and micro-loans are helping young farmers like Bedassa grow success and end the cycle of poverty.

October 2025

It takes a village to end child marriage

In rural India, one village ended child marriage for good through education, empowerment, and community-led change.

October 2025

Insider Story: Behind the smiles in Paraguay — the...

Discover the hidden struggles children in Paraguay face and how, with your support, silence is breaking to protect them from violence and abuse.