DUBLIN, Ireland — Ireland has provided more than €150 million for humanitarian crises worldwide in 2024, including responses to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and assistance to Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday.
“The importance of Ireland’s humanitarian aid to millions of people around the world cannot be underestimated. Over 360 million people across the globe require humanitarian assistance to survive,” said Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin in a statement. “Ireland remains committed to reaching those furthest behind through our work with UN and NGO partners. Ireland has steadily grown its budget for humanitarian and development aid in recent years, signifying our recognition of the importance of helping those most vulnerable in our world.”
Ireland’s funding focuses on severe humanitarian crises and emergencies. Last year, Ireland responded to earthquakes in Syria, Türkiye, and Morocco, as well as floods in Libya. “We also continue to support vulnerable populations experiencing acute hunger – including in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen. In 2024, Ireland has continued to respond to the most urgent crises, including floods in Kenya and the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean,” Martin said.
So far in 2024, over 170 humanitarian workers have been killed in crises worldwide. In Gaza alone, more than 200 aid workers have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking ahead of World Humanitarian Day, marked annually on August 19, Martin paid tribute to humanitarian workers and stressed the need for their safety. “In recent years, we have seen an alarming rise in the number of humanitarian workers killed or attacked as they try to provide lifesaving assistance. Ireland continues to call for strict adherence to international humanitarian law in all conflicts and reminds all parties to conflict that humanitarian workers and civilians must not be targets.”
“On World Humanitarian Day, we also remember those humanitarian workers killed while attempting to help others. This year, we particularly remember those who have lost their lives in the conflict in Gaza,” he added.
