Humanitarian Agenda

Join CSIS on Friday, May 20, at 9:30 a.m. ET for a discussion on state compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.

Against a backdrop of ongoing violence and political instability in the region, the worst drought in decades has hit the Horn of Africa. With millions of lives and livelihoods at stake, a lack of resources looms large and gives rise to fears of mass irregular migration.

A Russian airstrike destroyed the Mariupol Drama Theater on March 16, trapping hundreds of civilians who had taken refuge inside the building. Targeting of the theater is consistent with Russia’s pattern of attacking non-military objects and locations.

As many as 1.5 million people were displaced in Ukraine before the start of the Russian invasion. About 100,000 people are already moving within Ukraine due to the invasion, and this number is expected to rise significantly.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has generated widespread humanitarian consequences. While uncertainty remains over the course of the conflict, donors and humanitarian actors should act now to prepare for all contingencies in Ukraine and beyond.