All articles tagged with #humanitarian access
Former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, detained since the 2021 coup, met Arnaud de Baecque, the ICRC’s Myanmar representative, in Naypyitaw—the first known foreign visitor in more than five years—under ICRC procedures that allowed private talks; her son welcomed the development as a potential first step toward family access and her release, while calls for further humanitarian progress persist.
The UN’s annual report finds 9,788 documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2025, but notes that the true figure is likely higher due to underreporting. Violence spans rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage and trafficking across 21 conflicts, predominantly affecting women and girls, with both state and non-State actors implicated. Displaced populations and restricted humanitarian access heighten risk. The report lists 77 responsible parties (including new non-State groups in the DRC and certain state forces) and urges stronger prevention, accountability, and survivor-support, plus unfettered aid access and more funding.
Western leaders condemned Hamas videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages in Gaza, calling for their immediate and unconditional release amid concerns over their dire conditions and the need for urgent humanitarian aid. The videos depict the hostages in distress, with international leaders and organizations demanding action and access to provide aid and ensure their safety.
Fighting between the army and paramilitary forces in Sudan has forced nearly 100 aid organizations to halt their operations, leaving 16 million people reliant on aid without access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and water. Hospitals and medical facilities have been forced to close, and foreign governments and international organizations are evacuating their staff and citizens. The situation has worsened the suffering of the already vulnerable population, including four million refugees and internally displaced people. Local organizations and civil society groups are stepping in to help, but the lack of humanitarian access is causing a greater loss of life.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have announced a three-day ceasefire for Eid al-Fitr, but fighting continues and there is mistrust between the two forces. The priority must be to end the suffering of civilians, allow humanitarian access, and enable all civilians to reach safety. Negotiations should address delivery of humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, security for vital infrastructure, and monitoring and verification. The international community is ready to support a process to bring an end to the fighting and start civilian government.