In response to the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) 2025 launch, this statement is delivered on behalf of 108 NGOs, including humanitarian organizations with operations in countries covered by the GHO:
We are witnessing unspeakable human suffering due to the proliferation of conflicts lacking political solutions and the normalization of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, the bombing of schools and hospitals, and the use of starvation and sexual violence as methods of warfare are devastating communities worldwide. Climate shocks, economic fragility, and protracted conflict are exacerbating humanitarian needs, leading to unprecedented levels of displacement and an escalating global hunger crisis.
Boundary-setting and narrower definitions of people in need are resulting in a highly prioritized 2025 GHO. With limited complementarity with development and other actors, it is unclear who will target those left behind. Despite exceptional prioritization efforts, humanitarian funding lags behind and Official development assistance (ODA) cuts impact both humanitarian action and development gains.
We must turn the tide together in 2025.
We urge donors to fully fund the 2025 GHO and to provide quality funding as early as possible in the year to enable flexible, timely, and principled humanitarian action.
The catastrophic effects of IHL violations – including on children, women, and people living with disabilities – urgently require donors’ re-commitment to the traditionally underfunded sectors of gender and GBV, education and child protection in emergencies, and the stepping up of funding for hunger and forced displacement.
We call for a substantial increase in the volume and quality of funding to local and national actors, including Women’s organizations, whose essential leadership in humanitarian response must be recognized. This should be rooted in accountability to - and meaningful participation of - affected people.
All stakeholders must redouble efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, and we urge humanitarian, development, peace and climate actors to work together to make nexus programming a reality and foster resilience. This requires increased ODA directed to fragile settings.
Nothing will reduce humanitarian needs unless civilians are protected. The 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions is also a year of unconscionable IHL violations. We urge parties to conflicts to abide by their obligations, and we call on governments to leverage their influence and ensure that the consistent application of IHL is a top priority.