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Conflicts and Disasters

Oxfam's local partner Coast Trust helps to pack and load the food kits at Oxfam's warehouse in Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh. (Photo: Tommy Trenchard/Oxfam)

Every year since 2008, the world has become less peaceful. From climate-related disasters to long-lasting conflicts and insecurity, we witnessed a rise in the scale and frequency of humanitarian crises, increasing the number of vulnerable people, displaced, at risk or in need of assistance.

In Syria, Yemen, or South Sudan, conflicts continue to threaten and destroy the lives of millions of women, men and children, trapping them in a vicious cycle of violence, poverty and inequality. Hunger is again on the rise, reversing years of progress.

The number of climate-related disasters has tripled in 30 years, causing harm and suffering to communities across the globe. By the 2030s, large parts of Southern, Eastern and the Horn of Africa, and South and East Asia will experience greater exposure to droughts, floods, and tropical storms.

Let's look at the numbers

Overall, more than 132 million people across the world need humanitarian assistance and protection.

One-third of the world’s poor live in fragile and conflict-affected countries. By 2030, this share is likely to grow to one-half.

In 2019 the number of people who have been forced from their homes by war and persecution reached 68 million – the highest number since World War II.

The number of people going hungry worldwide is growing, reaching 690 million in 2019.

An Oxfam’s analysis shows that, on average, 14 million people were reported newly displaced by extreme weather disasters each year over the period 2008-2016.

Delivering high quality aid: Oxfam's response

Oxfam has a long and well-recognized record of humanitarian relief in times of crisis.