The ongoing geopolitical tensions in Middle East and North African region continue to fuel conflicts, leading to mass displacements, strained resources, and dire humanitarian needs. In OPT, the continued siege and bombardment of Gaza and the escalating situation in the West Bank pose immense difficulties for humanitarian response. OPT continues to face unprecedented challenges, including massive displacement, the destruction of basic infrastructure, lack of safe drinking water, acute food insecurity and attacks on health and humanitarian workers. Across MENA, 50 million people find themselves displaced within their own countries or as refugees across borders, leading to overcrowded camps and strained host communities. Adequate shelter, healthcare, and education for displaced populations remain critical humanitarian needs, with the ongoing conflicts perpetuating. More than 40 million people need urgent support according to humanitarian partners working in MENA.
The repercussions of climate emergencies loom large, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe in MENA. This is particularly evident in vulnerable regions, where communities grapple with the devastating impacts of droughts, floods, and storms, disrupting livelihoods and triggering food insecurity. The number of food-insecure people has increased by 20 per cent across the region over the past three years – reaching more than 41 million people, compared to 2019. Across North Africa, including the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt, climate change-induced warming is already more pronounced in the summer, and wet seasons are becoming progressively dryer. Recent multi-year droughts have been unprecedented in the past 500–900 years. Despite the naturally higher temperatures and lower rainfall across the Arabian Peninsula, trends of further warming and drying are also evident and are expected to worsen over the coming decades.
Al-B'arara, Al-Muzaffar district, Taiz, Yemen
Ghania and her family were displaced following conflict in their neighborhood. Their house was destroyed during their absence. The family lived in a rented apartment for four years and had lost all hope of going back to their home. Now, their house has been repaired by UNHCR and they can return.
UNHCR/Ahmed BashaEconomic factors further compound the humanitarian challenges, as many regions face the repercussions of economic downturns, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the global pandemic. Widespread unemployment, inflation and economic instability have left vulnerable populations on the brink, struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The unemployment rate is around 10,67 per cent with OPT, Libya and Jordan having the highest rates in the region. And more than 31 per cent of the population of MENA are living under the poverty line with Yemen, Syria, and Egypt having the highest rates.
In 2024, the demand for humanitarian assistance is expected to persist due to the protracted nature of conflicts, necessitating sustained efforts. It is imperative to shift the focus beyond immediate relief to encompass long-term strategies for sustainable development and conflict resolution. The anticipated escalation of climate-related challenges calls for adaptive measures and innovative solutions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities. Additionally, the lingering economic fallout from the pandemic demands targeted interventions aimed at rebuilding livelihoods and promoting economic resilience. A holistic and adaptive approach is imperative to address the evolving needs of the affected population comprehensively.
