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.

Who will save lives and defend human dignity if resources for humanitarian organizations continue to diminish?

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.