The impact of private sector contribution cannot be overstated. If each of the five most profitable listed companies worldwide contributed just five per cent of their 2023 profits, the funding gap could be matched in a second.
Private sector impact on the world’s most neglected crises
“The utter neglect of displaced people has become the new normal,” says Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
For the second year running, Burkina Faso tops the list of the world’s most neglected displacement crises according to NRC’s latest report. This annually published list reveals what countries are facing dramatic displacement crises but are receiving little attention in the media, not being prioritised by politicians, and receiving inadequate funding from donor countries.
“The local political and military elites disregard the suffering they cause, and the world is neither shocked nor compelled to act by stories of desperation and record-breaking statistics,” continues Egeland.
In 2023, Burkina Faso grappled with record-high new displacements, an unabating humanitarian crisis, and hundreds of thousands of people being cut off from aid. Cameroon closely followed as multiple internal crises placed the country second. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Niger feature next in this grim ranking. The list rounds off by Honduras, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Sudan.
Egeland adds that “we need a global reboot of solidarity and a refocus on where needs are greatest”.
If you are interested in partnering with NRC, please contact corporate@nrc.no.
“The utter neglect of displaced people has become the new normal,” says Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
For the second year running, Burkina Faso tops the list of the world’s most neglected displacement crises according to NRC’s latest report. This annually published list reveals what countries are facing dramatic displacement crises but are receiving little attention in the media, not being prioritised by politicians, and receiving inadequate funding from donor countries.
“The local political and military elites disregard the suffering they cause, and the world is neither shocked nor compelled to act by stories of desperation and record-breaking statistics,” continues Egeland.
In 2023, Burkina Faso grappled with record-high new displacements, an unabating humanitarian crisis, and hundreds of thousands of people being cut off from aid. Cameroon closely followed as multiple internal crises placed the country second. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Niger feature next in this grim ranking. The list rounds off by Honduras, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Sudan.
Egeland adds that “we need a global reboot of solidarity and a refocus on where needs are greatest”.
NRC's commitment and presence
We have been sounding the alarm in these overlooked crises for years, such as in Burkina Faso, and remain unwavering in our support for people who have been affected by displacement.
Despite the challenges on the ground, NRC’s commitment remains steadfast, and we continue to support the people of Burkina Faso and other neglected crises in essential sectors, including shelter, education, and livelihoods and food security. However, the task at hand is immense and we urgently need to invest in the world’s most neglected crises.
The vital role of private sector partners
The shortfall between the needed humanitarian funding and the money actually received amounted to USD 32 billion in 2023, a staggering USD 10 billion increase from the previous year. Such a vast deficit meant that 57 per cent of needs remained unmet. In many of the countries listed in our report, this funding gap translates into people not having enough to eat, families fleeing over and over again in search of safety and resources, children unable to access education, and individuals losing their means of earning an income.
The impact of private sector contribution cannot be overstated. If each of the five most profitable listed companies worldwide contributed just five per cent of their 2023 profits, the funding gap could be matched in a second.
Our private sector partners are key to our operations within neglected displacement crises. In Niger, we are working with the Novo Nordisk Foundation to identify hydroponic farming techniques suited to local climatic conditions and using locally-sourced materials. In a country heavily reliant on agriculture, this research aims to bolster community resilience by creating long-term solutions and improving food security for both people who have been internally displaced and host communities.
“We are proud to support NRC’s work in Niger at a time when the country is facing a complex humanitarian crisis,” says Flemming Konradsen, Senior Vice President of the Social and Humanitarian Area at Novo Nordisk Foundation. “Violent conflict, poverty, and extreme weather events are resulting in worrying levels of food insecurity. Through our open humanitarian call, we have been able to support a context that is neglected but deserves our attention and funding.”
To the east of Niger, we are working with the IKEA Foundation in South Sudan to help people affected by displacement and host communities become economically self-reliant. This includes supporting them in finding ways to generate an income, save money, and gain marketable skills. In doing so, the project aims to equip them with the necessary tools to decide their own futures.
"The number of emergencies is increasing and are likely to increase as a result of the impact of the climate crisis. It is deeply concerning that many devastating emergencies across the globe do not get the attention they deserve. The IKEA Foundation welcomes the efforts of NRC to draw attention to these unseen emergencies and we’re deeply grateful for their work to make a difference," says Haileselassie Medhin, Programme Director - People at the IKEA Foundation.
A call to action
The neglect of people affected by displacement in crises like those in Burkina Faso, Niger, and South Sudan is a profound injustice. But we can still change this narrative. By working with us, you can contribute to bringing desperately needed attention and support to such crises.
Your contribution can make a world of difference.