World: The Perfect Storm: Global Conflict Drives Record Humanitarian Needs as Aid Funding Stalls

Country: World Source: HALO Trust London, May 18, 2026 : The world has entered one of the most dangerous and politically volatile periods in decades as wars spread, alliances fracture, climate shocks intensify and foreign aid itself becomes more politicised, The HALO Trust warns on the eve of the Global Partnership Conference 2026 . More than 50 countries will gather in London from May 19 – 20 to discuss the future of international aid and develop a working blueprint for tackling today’s crises collectively. “Global conflict is the defining global challenge of our time*,* driving displacement, instability and food insecurity at unprecedented scale. It is the perfect storm - just as humanitarian needs are accelerating, global military spending is surging while aid budgets shrink,” says James Denselow, HALO Director of Strategy. In Afghanistan, one in five civilians remain at risk from explosives left over from decades of war. Children are particularly at risk, often mistaking unexploded ordnance for toys whilst playing outside, collecting scrap metal, or grazing animals. Just last week a child was killed and another severely injured when an unexploded device detonated in eastern Nangarhar Province. This August will also mark five years since NATO forces withdrew, which led to the closure of most foreign embassies and many aid operators. Funding has plummeted since then. The UN's 2026 humanitarian budget for Afghanistan is falling short by more than 85 per cent ($1.47 billion). “Here at HALO Afghanistan, we’re adapting to a new financial and geopolitical reality. We're working closely with partners and using innovation and technology to continue our life-saving work, and help rebuild communities” says Dr Farid Houmayoun, HALO Afghanistan Programme Manager. “The world needs a sustainable plan. We urge delegates to find...

Original source: Relief Web