By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, December 16 2025 - Sudan has been ranked number one among 20 countries most at risk of humanitarian emergencies in 2025, according to the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) newly released 2025 Emergency Watchlist, a stark indicator of an escalating global humanitarian crisis.
The report, titled 2025 Emergency Watchlist: A World Out of Balance, places Sudan at the top of the list for the third consecutive year, despite the country accounting for only about 1% of the world’s population.
The IRC calls the situation in Sudan the largest crisis of its kind in history. “Sudan’s conflict has produced the biggest displacement crisis ever recorded, outpacing all other crises in scale and severity.” Quotes the IRC 2025 Emergency Watchlist report.
Ranking of 20 Countries Most at Risk of Humanitarian Emergencies in 2025.
The 2025 Emergency Watchlist evaluates a combination of conflict intensity, displacement, food insecurity, economic collapse, and humanitarian access to produce a data-driven ranking of the most vulnerable nations.
Top 5 Countries on the 2025 Watchlist
1. Sudan, Escalating conflict and mass displacement
2. Palestinian territories, Ongoing violence and blockade impacts
3. South Sudan, Chronic instability and food insecurity
4. Ethiopia, Multi-front conflict and famine conditions
5. Haiti, Political collapse and gang violence
“These are not distant tragedies, they represent the fault lines of humanity, where conflict, climate shocks, and economic collapse intersect,” the IRC notes in its ranking methodology.
Analysis of Global Trends Driving Crises
The IRC report highlights several cross-cutting global trends that are reshaping the humanitarian landscape: Conflicts Persistent and Multiplication, especially Armed conflicts, in Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Palestinian territories, remain a primary driver of displacement, hunger, and civilian harm.
“Systematic targeting of civilians and the erosion of humanitarian norms are hallmarks of today’s conflicts.” IRC 2025 Emergency Watchlist Climate Stresses Exacerbate Vulnerability, linked droughts, floods, and heatwaves are intensifying food and water scarcity, particularly across the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, pushing already fragile communities over the brink.
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Attacks on Civilians and Aid Blockages. the report documents a dramatic rise in attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers, as well as deliberate restrictions on aid access. “We are witnessing unprecedented barriers to lifesaving assistance, with entire regions effectively cut off.” IRC analysis, 2025 Emergency Watchlist Funding Imbalances Undercut Response, despite rising needs, humanitarian funding has failed to keep pace, leaving critical gaps in essential food, shelter, and health services.
The IRC warns that acute funding shortfalls are forcing major agencies to cut rations and scale back lifesaving programs, with dire consequences for millions. The IRC report combines quantitative data with field reporting to illustrate the depth of the crises.
Sudan: Humanitarian Cataclysm
1. 12+ million people displaced inside Sudan
2. Millions more uprooted across neighbouring countries
3. Health systems have collapsed, with outbreaks of cholera, measles, and malaria
4. Food insecurity levels have reached famine-like conditions in multiple regions
“More than 30 million people in Sudan now require lifesaving assistance, more than half the population.” IRC 2025 Emergency Watchlist.
Food Insecurity Trends
The Watchlist’s data tables show year-over-year increases in acute food insecurity across Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Yemen, with climate shocks amplifying fragile conditions.
The report’s humanitarian access scores demonstrate a worrisome global trend: in many crisis zones, humanitarian agencies are unable to reach up to 60% of affected populations due to fighting, roadblocks, and insecurity. For Africa, the IRC identifies interlinked crises in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Sahel, where conflict, climate change, and weak governance continue to fuel instability.
“Across Africa, conflict and climate shocks are stacking upon one another, eroding resilience and overwhelming communities.” IRC thematic analysis, 2025 Emergency Watchlist The report urges donors and governments to prioritize predictable financing, protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access.
The IRC’s Emergency Watchlist aims to inform policymakers, relief agencies, and the global public about where humanitarian needs are most critical. “The world must respond not with words, but with scaled, sustained aid and political commitment.” IRC 2025 Emergency Watchlist
