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As we stepped into 2022, the world faced an array of crises and trends that have significantly impacted global hunger, homelessness, and soaring poverty levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed but also intensified massive inequalities within and between countries, revealing a harsh reality that many communities must confront. This exploration highlights ten critical crises and trends, underscoring the sharp divides and the heavy burden shouldered particularly by women and girls in humanitarian crises.
The Pandemic's Economic Impact
The economic downturn caused by COVID-19 has led to an increase in the global percentage of people living in extreme poverty, reversing a two-decade trend of decline. This situation is particularly dire in countries already grappling with conflict, fragility, or widespread poverty, making it challenging for them to rebound. While there are predictions that poverty numbers may eventually improve, the path to recovery remains uncertain, especially in places lacking equitable vaccine access or those struggling under debt distress.
Hunger and Health Costs
The financial toll of the pandemic, coupled with rising food prices, has contributed significantly to hunger. The health costs of the climate crisis and the outsized toll of online hate, which has real-world consequences, exacerbate this situation. In Ethiopia and Myanmar, for example, online platforms have seen a rise in posts advocating for ethnic violence, contributing to the conditions that drive humanitarian needs.
Political Turmoil and Human Rights
Countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar have experienced seismic political shifts, presenting stark aid dilemmas due to donor reluctance and questions over humanitarian neutrality. Hardline policies have turned manageable movements of people into cascading humanitarian crises at borders, with illegal pushbacks under international law exacerbating the situation.
Food Insecurity and Climate Crisis
Up to 283 million people are short of food, with long-running conflicts and extreme weather pushing even more people into emergency categories of hunger. The humanitarian impacts of climate change, acting as a risk multiplier, exacerbate these crises, leading to new vulnerabilities. Women, often the first to sacrifice when food is short, face heightened risks and barriers to accessing healthcare and reproductive services.
Militancy and Human Rights Abuses
Governments struggling against militant groups in regions like West Africa’s Sahel, coastal Mozambique, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are seeking new sources of support. However, intervening armies and mercenary forces often violate human rights, undermining the efforts of aid groups to respond to rising needs.
Conflicts and Humanitarian Challenges
In Ethiopia, the conflict has made it nearly impossible for aid agencies to reach those in need, with only a trickle of relief supplies getting through. Yemen continues to face a humanitarian crisis with widespread hunger and health problems, with the UN estimating that around 21 million people will need some sort of aid in 2022.
Latin America's Struggle
Latin America is attempting to recover from severe health and economic impacts of COVID-19, along with political shifts and polarisation. The region, which has seen more than 30 percent of the world's COVID-19 deaths, is also experiencing a rapid rise in hunger and a "shadow pandemic" of gender violence.
Moving Forward
Despite the sobering outlook for 2022, there are bright spots and ways forward, such as local peace deals, aid to survivors of gender-based violence, and disaster preparedness planning. As a humanitarian newsroom, it's crucial to highlight the world's greatest challenges while also pointing to potential solutions that could pave the way for positive trends in 2023.
In conclusion, understanding the multifaceted crises and trends of 2022 is essential in navigating the complexities of global hunger, homelessness, and poverty. While the challenges are significant, focusing on solutions and collaborative efforts can help address these pressing issues.
