Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, has announced that Ireland provided over €310 million in humanitarian aid to respond to escalating global crises in 2024. This funding was directed towards providing urgent relief to some of the most vulnerable populations affected by conflict, climate change, and displacement.
The assistance, which supports both Irish and international partners, was channeled through key actors including Irish and international NGOs, UN agencies, the European Union, and the Red Cross Family. It is part of Ireland’s commitment to helping those most in need in the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
Focus on Vulnerable Populations and Underfunded Crises
Tánaiste Martin emphasized Ireland’s targeted response to some of the world’s most pressing and underfunded humanitarian needs. “Ireland’s quality humanitarian funding has supported our humanitarian partners to respond rapidly to sudden onset disasters and work effectively in forgotten and protracted crises throughout 2024. With nearly 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance across the world this year, this response remains as vital as ever,” Martin said.
In his statement, Martin highlighted several critical regions where Ireland focused its efforts, including Somalia, Yemen, Myanmar, and Afghanistan—countries facing long-standing crises and ongoing hardship. Ireland also provided significant support to Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and nations in the Caribbean that were affected by major conflict and climate-induced disasters.
Displacement and Gender-Based Violence
In 2024, one of the most devastating consequences of the escalating crises was the record number of forcibly displaced persons—nearly 120 million people worldwide. Of particular concern, Martin noted, was the disproportionate impact these crises have had on women and girls, many of whom face heightened vulnerability to gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and limited access to basic services, including healthcare.
Ireland’s humanitarian response focused on providing critical support for these groups, with specific funding for agencies such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Rescue Committee. These organizations are working in key countries including Jordan, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and in regions such as South Sudan, Chad, and Libya to address reproductive health, protection services, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming, also underscored Ireland’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and children in conflict zones. “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. Recognizing 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,” said Minister Fleming.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support in 2025
The Global Humanitarian Overview for 2025 predicts that more than 305 million people will need humanitarian assistance in the coming year. Ireland’s ongoing response, rooted in needs-based humanitarian assistance, will continue to prioritize the most severe crises and target the most vulnerable populations. The Irish government’s commitment to global humanitarian solidarity ensures that Ireland will maintain its strong support for global peace, security, and human dignity.
In conclusion, Tánaiste Martin affirmed: “Ireland’s response to humanitarian crises in 2024 reflects our deep humanitarian principles and commitment to supporting those in urgent need, no matter where they are. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who are most vulnerable receive the life-saving assistance they deserve.”