Attachments
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
The year 2023 presented multiple and concurrent crises that adversely affected millions of people’s lives and shaped the ICRC’s operating environment.
Around 120 armed conflicts were ongoing globally, involving more than 60 states and some 120 non-state armed groups; several hundred more armed groups were involved in other situations of violence. Intensified hostilities generated vast humanitarian needs, necessitating large-scale emergency responses. At the same time, protracted crises dragged on, straining communities’ coping mechanisms and highlighting the need for programmes with a sustainable humanitarian impact.
People living with armed conflict or other situations of violence faced disruptions to their food supply, livelihoods and access to essential services such as health care, water and electricity.
Many people were displaced by hostilities, adding to the millions of others still unable to return home. Sexual violence, attacks on civilians and health facilities, and other abuses were reported. Extreme weather events, caused or exacerbated by the climate crisis, and other disasters worsened needs in areas already weakened by conflict. The high costs of basic goods and services further eroded the ability of conflict-affected people to cope.
International humanitarian law (IHL), other applicable bodies of law, and neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action were at times challenged by authorities, weapon bearers and the wider public. The development of new means and methods of warfare steadily gathered momentum, posing significant questions in terms of the application of IHL rules. Heightened geopolitical polarization exacerbated tensions, complicated international efforts to resolve some conflicts, or diverted resources and public attention away from prolonged humanitarian crises. Rapid shifts in the technological landscape continued to influence the course of conflicts.
While digital transformation offered opportunities for innovation in humanitarian action, the rise of new technologies also presented risks related to cyber warfare, data protection, and misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
As the ICRC reached its 160th anniversary, it continued to deliver protection and assistance to people in need. It engaged with conflict-affected communities to deliver relevant responses, working with partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (hereafter Movement), and leveraging digital technology, to enhance its impact.
Even as it strove to address growing needs, difficulties affecting the entire humanitarian sector – the global decline in humanitarian funding, rising inflation, and the increased costs of providing aid – compelled the ICRC to carry out necessary changes to ensure its sustainability. It streamlined its operations and geographical footprint, and recalibrated its priorities, in order to sustain its efforts to deliver an impactful and meaningful response.
Building on the gains made under the preceding institutional strategy, the ICRC adopted Strategy 2024–2027, underscoring the distinctive strengths that lie at the core of its mandate and laying the foundation for its future.