The funding was in response to conflict and climate-driven crises in areas such as Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, the Caribbean, and Ukraine. More than €310 million was provided by Ireland to support people affected by major humanitarian crises across the globe in 2024.
Ireland’s humanitarian response targeted those most in need including those affected by conflict in Gaza and Ukraine and those displaced by climate-driven disasters such as Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
Irish Aid is the government’s program for international development.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “With nearly 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance across the world this year, this response remains as vital as ever. In 2024, we continued our focus on underfunded and less visible emergencies including in Somalia, Yemen, Myanmar and Afghanistan. Ireland also responded quickly to major conflict and climate-driven crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, the Caribbean, and Ukraine.”
The assistance was channeled through partners including Irish and international NGOs, UN agencies, the EU, and the Red Cross.
In all crises, there has been a disproportionate impact on women and girls. Their protection and the protection of millions of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people is central to Ireland’s response.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming, added: “Unfortunately, we continue to see that those most affected by humanitarian crises are women and children, whether through gender-based violence, loss of livelihoods, lack of access to healthcare or forced displacement. Recognising this disproportionate impact, Ireland continues to support organizations who can best reach and support women and children and their communities in the most fragile contexts.”
The Global Humanitarian Overview for 2025 estimates that over 305 million people will need humanitarian assistance next year.
Ireland’s needs-based humanitarian assistance focused on the most severe humanitarian crises and targeting the most vulnerable populations will continue in 2025.
