Children and families in Afghanistan are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis due to decades of conflict, chronic poverty, and recurring natural disasters, including severe flooding and powerful earthquakes — the deadliest in recent years. These events underscore the enduring hardships in Afghanistan against a backdrop of widespread hunger, a collapsing health system, devastation to schools, and the destruction of family livelihoods.

Afghanistan crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

Explore facts about Afghanistan and frequently asked questions about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and learn how to help Afghan children and their families.

• Fast facts: Afghanistan crisis
• What’s the latest on the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?
• What’s the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?
• What are the reasons behind Afghanistan’s hunger crisis?
• In what ways are Afghan children impacted by the crisis?
• How is the crisis impacting Afghan girls and women specifically?
• Where is World Vision working in Afghanistan?
• How many people has World Vision supported in Afghanistan?
• How can I help Afghan children and their families?

Fast facts: Afghanistan crisis

• Afghanistan is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, worsened by two devastating earthquake events in 2022 and 2023.
• The landlocked country has been entangled in conflict, drought, extreme poverty, and natural disasters.
• The October 2023 earthquakes, including the 6.3 magnitude quake, caused 2,000 deaths and left over 4,000 people injured and 1,400 people displaced in Herat Province in western Afghanistan.
• More than half of Afghanistan’s population, approximately 23.7 million people, is expected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024, as reported by UNHCR.
• According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 12.4 million Afghans face acute food insecurity, with 1 in 4 unsure of where their next meal will come from.
• The WFP reports that acute malnutrition rates are exceeding emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 Afghan provinces, with nearly half of children under 5 and a quarter of pregnant and breastfeeding women needing urgent nutrition support in the next 12 months.
• Heavy rainfall and flash floods struck northeastern Afghanistan in early May 2024, impacting 21 districts across Badakhshan, Baghlan, and Takhar provinces. The devastation claimed the lives of an estimated 180 people and injured 280.

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What’s the latest on the recent earthquake in Afghanistan?

On August 31, 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighboring Nangarhar Province, further devastating communities already facing years of conflict, hunger, and previous disasters. Early reports indicate that the quake caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, with casualties and injuries still being assessed. The death toll has surpassed 1,400.

This quake follows a series of deadly earthquakes in 2022 and 2023, including the October 2023 6.3 magnitude quake that killed 2,000 people in Herat Province. Earthquakes of this scale highlight Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for humanitarian support.

World Vision is responding by working with local partners to provide emergency assistance, including food, water, shelter, and child protection services.

“We are greatly saddened by the news of today’s earthquake and the apparent loss of hundreds of lives. We lived through the 2023 Herat Earthquake, and the effects are still being felt today. We know that the most at-risk people, the people who will pay the highest price, will include children and their families, so World Vision will bring our experience and resources to bear upon this new crisis with the steadfast support of our World Vision partnership,” said Thamindri De Silva, National Director for World Vision in Afghanistan.

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What’s the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan?

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with widespread poverty affecting 48% of the population. Natural disasters and economic instability have exacerbated the country’s vulnerabilities. Millions of Afghans face acute malnutrition and starvation, as the struggling economy fails to support basic necessities.

Women and girls are particularly impacted, facing restrictions on education and employment, which has led to increased child marriage, adolescent childbearing, and mental health issues.

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What are the reasons behind Afghanistan’s hunger crisis?

The hunger crisis in Afghanistan is driven by a combination of factors including economic collapse, ongoing conflict, natural disasters, and displacement. Decades of conflict have disrupted agricultural production and displaced millions of people, while natural disasters like droughts and floods have further reduced food availability. Rising food prices and poor access to humanitarian aid have worsened the situation, leaving millions, especially children and vulnerable communities, facing severe hunger and malnutrition.

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In what ways are Afghan children impacted by the crisis?

World Vision cares deeply about the needs and rights of children in Afghanistan, and we’re very concerned about their situation. Today, 12.3 million children need lifesaving aid in Afghanistan, according to the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF). And 41% of Afghan children suffer from stunting — being small for their age — a common and largely irreversible effect of malnutrition. This places Afghanistan among the countries with the highest rates of malnutrition for children under 5. Drought and displacement caused by recent conflict have made conditions worse.

Without peace and humanitarian access, Afghanistan’s children are at significant risk of violence, neglect, abuse, exploitation, starvation, and worsening malnutrition. Situations like child marriage, child labor, family separation, and mass displacements — as families leave in search of food — are all likely to worsen. Already, parents in the most desperate situations are making the unimaginable decision to sell one daughter for dowry money so they can buy food for all their children.

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How is the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan girls and women specifically?

Restrictions on education and employment for women and girls have led to increased rates of child marriage, adolescent childbearing, and mental health issues. The lack of opportunities and rights for women significantly contributes to the overall humanitarian crisis.

World Vision is also deeply concerned by the limitations placed on girls’ and women’s access to education. Education is a fundamental right, including for adolescent girls and women. World Vision calls on the international community to make girls’ and women’s access to education a key priority in their engagement in Afghanistan. The safety and well-being of our staff and the people we serve are our priority.

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Where is World Vision working in Afghanistan?

In addition to the earthquake-devastated communities in Herat, we’re also serving children and families in the northwestern provinces of Badghis, Faryab, and Ghor — over 4,184 villages combined. Through our long-standing partnership with local community leaders in Afghanistan for many years, we’ve been able to respond to crises and equip these communities to create positive, sustainable change.

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How many people has World Vision supported in Afghanistan?

World Vision has supported millions of people with lifesaving aid across Afghanistan. Our efforts delivered food, cash, and livelihood assistance, ensured access to clean water and hygiene services, supported education, and extended vital protection programs. Working in 34 districts and more than 3,200 villages across Herat, Badghis, Ghor, Faryab, and Nangahar provinces, we delivered critical assistance to over 1.2 million people, nearly half of them children, in 2024.

These achievements were made possible through the generosity of our donors and the unwavering dedication of our staff. Together, we have positively impacted the lives of Afghan children, their families, and their communities, offering hope and support in challenging times.

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How can I help Afghan children and their families?

• Raise your voice: Join us in calling on Congress to help vulnerable, displaced Afghan families with basic needs and services through organizations committed to staying in Afghanistan — like World Vision.
• Give: World Vision is committed to serving the people of Afghanistan for the long term. Your gift will help deliver essential aid to vulnerable children and families.

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The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, one of the most powerful natural disasters in recorded history, sent shockwaves through the region, impacting multiple countries and hundreds of thousands of lives. A massive undersea earthquake off the western coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, unleashed a series of colossal tsunamis that inundated coastal areas, catching communities off-guard and causing widespread destruction. The disaster not only brought immediate loss of life and destruction to infrastructure but also prompted a global reflection on the vulnerabilities of coastal regions and the importance of disaster preparedness and international collaboration.

2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• • Fast facts: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
  • Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so destructive and deadly?
  • How did World Vision help people recover from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami?
  • How does World Vision respond to disasters around the world?
  • How can I help people affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters?

Fast facts: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

• Approximately 230,000 people died in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. It is one of the deadliest disasters in modern history.
• The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, which caused the tsunami, is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs.
• The earthquake struck 150 miles from the coast of Sumatra Island, on the northwest of the Indonesian island group, and 31 miles below the ocean floor.
• In Banda Aceh, the landmass closest to the quake’s epicenter, tsunami waves topped 100 feet. The tsunami’s waves traveled across the Indian Ocean at 500 mph, the speed of a jet plane.
• The 2004 Indonesia earthquake caused a shift in the earth’s mass, changing the planet’s rotation.
• Total material losses from the tsunami were estimated at $10 billion.
• Indonesia lies between the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is where 90% of earthquakes occur, and the Alpide belt, the second-most active seismic zone.

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Why was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami so destructive and deadly?

The first giant waves from the Indian Ocean tsunami reached Banda Aceh, an Indonesian city of about 300,000 people, within 15 or 20 minutes of the earthquake. Few residents of the densely populated area realized that the earthquake they had felt could cause a tsunami, and there was little time to flee to higher ground.

Traveling as fast as 500 mph, the waves spread to other countries, including India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With no warning, coastal populations were caught by the pounding waves. Many families that made their living fishing lost everything; the tsunami wiped out whole communities.

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How did World Vision help people recover from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami?

In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, World Vision played a pivotal role in supporting the recovery efforts across five countries: India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Through our extensive relief operations, we raised more than $350 million and led one of our most substantial responses. Our impact included:

Livelihoods empowerment and education: We offered training and employment opportunities to 40,000 people, conducted child-rights awareness sessions for more than 27,000 people, and extended educational support to over 2,000 teachers and 137,000 children.

Infrastructure and community development: World Vision built 12,000 homes to provide shelter for families, established 200 Child-Friendly Spaces to aid children’s recovery, constructed 84 schools and 60 playgrounds to help restore a sense of normalcy, and set up 27 health clinics to deliver essential medical services.

Sustainable restoration: Our teams implemented coastal restoration programs by planting 56,000 mangroves to serve as a natural barrier to rising ocean levels. We also helped in the restoration of a fishing harbor.

Most of World Vision’s tsunami-related rehabilitation was successfully completed by 2007. However, our impact endures through many ongoing initiatives. Today, World Vision’s child sponsorship, health, education, water, food, agriculture, and livelihoods programs continue to flourish across countries affected by the devastating tsunami.

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How does World Vision respond to disasters around the world?

Drawing on decades of experience and a global network of trained emergency staff, World Vision responds to major crises, from earthquakes and hurricanes to conflict and droughts.

In 2022 alone, World Vision responded to 59 humanitarian emergencies in 52 countries. During this time, we supported over 27.7 million people with essential assistance.

Our response includes providing food, access to clean water, hygiene items, and other essential supplies. We also promote disease prevention through hygiene training. Child protection initiatives address urgent cases such as family separation and violence. We also offer health, nutrition, and educational services.

We aim to support families during crises and guide them through the rebuilding process. World Vision collaborates with communities to reconstruct homes, establish permanent housing, secure clean water access, ensure food security, and deliver quality education.

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How can I help people affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters?

• Pray: Join us in praying for families and communities as they recover and rebuild after disasters.
• Give: Your gift will help provide essential care to children and families affected by disasters.

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As of the end of 2024, 42.7 million people worldwide are refugees — people forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, violence, persecution, or human rights violations, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in its latest Global Trends report.

Each year on June 20, World Refugee Day, the United Nations and people worldwide honor the strength and resilience of refugees and raise awareness of their needs. Explore the challenges refugees face and learn more about the global refugee crisis below.

Refugees: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Refugees
• What is the definition of a refugee under international law?
• How are refugees different from asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and migrants?
• How many displaced people are there in the world in 2025?
• What are the top refugee crises in the world right now? 
• What rights and obligations do refugees have under international law?
• How does World Vision gain access to serve refugees and displaced children and families?  
• What is World Vision doing to help refugees?
• What are some of the groups of refugees and displaced people World Vision supports?
• How can I help refugees and displaced children today?

Fast facts: Refugees

• Global displacement totals: In 2024, the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide surpassed 123 million — approximately 1 in every 67 people, according to UNHCR.
• Largest displacement crisis: Sudan now has the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 14.3 million internally displaced people and refugees, surpassing levels caused by Syria’s conflict.
• Main cause of displacement: Armed conflict remains the primary driver of displacement, causing millions to flee their homes in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine.
• Increase in refugee returns: In 2024, 9.8 million people returned home, including 1.6 million refugees, the highest in 20 years.
• Host countries: Iran, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), Colombia, and Germany hosted the four largest populations of refugees in 2024, with 3.5 million, 2.9 million, 2.8 million, and 2.7 million, respectively.
• Impact on children: Although children make up less than a third of the global population, they accounted for more than 40% — 49 million — of the world’s refugees in 2024. Approximately 2.3 million children were born as refugees between 2018 and 2024.

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Open the door to hope for refugee children.

Help Refugees

What is the definition of a refugee under international law?

Refugees are people forced to flee their home countries because of persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that place them in need of international protection. Under international law, anyone who meets these criteria is a refugee, although a host country may require asylum seekers to establish a well-founded fear of danger before formally granting them refugee status. The 1951 Refugee Convention outlines refugees’ rights, including the right to non-refoulement — the right of a person not to be returned to a country where they may be persecuted. Refugee protections do not apply to people who have committed serious crimes or pose a security threat.

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How are refugees different from asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and migrants?

• Refugees are people who flee their home country because of danger or persecution and because they are not protected by their country’s government. A person may fit this definition before being formally granted refugee status.
• Asylum seekers are people who’ve applied for protection — refugee status — on arrival in a country besides their own.
• Internally displaced people (IDPs) are people displaced by conflict, violence, or natural disasters within their home country.
• Migrants are people who move from their usual place of residence, whether internally or internationally, regardless of their legal status or reasons for moving. Although there is no formal legal definition, experts agree on this classification.

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How many displaced people are in the world in 2025?

Today’s numbers are slightly lower than the total reported at the end of 2024. Here’s a breakdown:

• At the end of 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached over 123 million.
• By April 2025, the estimated number had slightly decreased to 122.1 million. This drop likely reflects refugee returns, resettlements, or updated data, according to UNHCR.
• Children are especially affected: Although they make up less than one-third of the global population, they account for more than 40% of all displaced people.

While these numbers can feel overwhelming, behind every one of them is a person — a mother, a child, a neighbor.

Read about the struggles of displaced mothers and their families.

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What are the top refugee crises in the world right now?

At the end of 2024, more than one-third of displaced people came from just four countries: Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine.

Sudan now faces the largest displacement crisis in the world, with an estimated 14.3 million people displaced. This surpasses the number of people displaced by armed conflict in Syria (13.5 million), followed by Afghanistan (10.3 million) and Ukraine (8.8 million)

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What rights and obligations do refugees have under international law?

Refugees have the right to safe asylum and not to be returned to possible persecution in their country of origin. According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, they are entitled to the basic rights of any other foreigner in the host country, especially the right to practice their religion, pursue education, and move about freely. They must follow and respect the laws of the country that accepts them.

Sometimes an influx of refugees is sudden and immense. Refugee camps are set up to provide temporary shelter and safety for them. Aid groups can deliver food, water, and other services in these camps. As time goes on, they sometimes become thriving communities.

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How does World Vision gain access to serve refugees and displaced children and families?

Through our presence in nearly 100 countries, World Vision is well-positioned to meet the needs of displaced people, whether they are in their own country or living as refugees. We coordinate humanitarian activities with national governments and other aid organizations to achieve the best outcomes for people affected by refugee crises.

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What is World Vision doing to help refugees?

We support refugees around the world through:

• Emergency relief, including access to food, clean water, shelter, and other essentials refugees need when displaced by conflict or disaster
• Child protection programs and Child-Friendly Spaces where kids can play, learn life skills, and experience everyday childhood interactions while also receiving psychosocial support to help them and their families navigate the difficulties of displacement
• Education support for refugee children, helping ensure they have the opportunity to learn in safe environments during displacement
• Livelihoods training and cash-for-work programs, focusing on empowering families to thrive and become self-sufficient.

We also partner with local communities and governments, local churches, and international organizations like United Nations agencies — including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) — to go beyond responding to immediate needs and support communities for long-term development.

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What are some of the groups of refugees and displaced people that World Vision supports?

We support millions of people affected by forced displacement across regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America, and beyond. The following are some of the groups we support:

World Vision’s response in Sudan conflict

Since conflict escalated in mid-April 2023, Sudan has faced one of the world’s most rapidly evolving crises. This conflict has led to the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of over 14.3 million people. Food insecurity is likely to worsen as violence continues to spread across Sudan, forcing more people to flee to neighboring countries.

World Vision, one of the largest humanitarian aid organizations in Sudan, has served children, families, and communities in the country from 1983 to 1988 and from 2004 onwards. Since April 2023, our emergency assistance programs in Sudan and the region have supported over 3.2 million people, predominantly women and children, focusing on food security, child protection, health and nutrition, and sanitation and hygiene.

How World Vision supports Syrian refugees and children

At the end of 2024, a quarter of Syria’s population had been uprooted, including 6.1 million refugees and asylum seekers and 7.4 million people displaced within the country. Since the conflict started in 2011, most Syrian refugees have been living in the Middle East, particularly in Turkey.

Following the transition in government in late 2024, more than 500,000 Syrians are estimated to have returned from abroad by mid-May 2025, according to UNHCR. Approximately 1.2 million people displaced within Syria have returned to their areas of origin. However, the journey home to Syria has been difficult, with many facing damaged infrastructure, scarce resources, and ongoing insecurity.

World Vision has supported more than 7.8 million children in the surrounding region, including in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. The 2023 earthquake in Syria and Turkey further complicated the situation, impacting internally displaced Syrians and Syrian refugees living in Turkey. In partnership with local organizations, World Vision has initiated 39 projects, including healthcare services, health and nutrition assistance, education programs, and psychological support sessions in schools. These critical efforts assisted more than 1.8 million people within the first year of our response.

Help for Ukrainian refugees and displaced people

World Vision has been responding since the onset of the war in Ukraine in late February 2022, which has resulted in over 5 million refugees, as of May 2025. Our dedicated staff in the region swiftly assisted refugees crossing into Romania, offering essentials such as food, shelter, cash assistance, and protection against trafficking. Continuing our response, we’ve partnered with churches and local organizations to support displaced families and their host communities in Romania, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine. In 2024, we’ve supported over 2.1 million people in the region with crucial resources like emergency food assistance, hygiene kits, and child protection programs.

Our support extends beyond immediate relief, including assistance designed to meet long-term needs. For example, our staff are providing psychosocial support and tailored educational programs to address the unique needs of affected children and families.

Responding to the Venezuela crisis

Nearly 7.9 million refugees and migrants have left Venezuelan since 2017 in search of food, employment, and a better life. World Vision supports affected children and families by offering food and nutritional assistance, access to clean water, and essential health and education services in nearby countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru.

In Venezuela, we’re working with partner organizations to empower families to improve their children’s lives. As of December 2024, our efforts have supported over 2.58 million people in the affected countries. Our programs focus on child protection, education, food security, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and livelihoods.

Supporting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

Since 2017, the Rohingya people have endured violence, persecution, and human rights violations in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, prompting many to seek refuge elsewhere. The majority of Rohingya refugees have crossed the border into neighboring Bangladesh.

World Vision has been delivering crucial assistance in Bangladesh since the onset of the crisis. In 2024, we supported over 416,000 people living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar. Our ongoing work encompasses 34 camps, providing essential aid such as food, clean water, sanitation facilities, and shelter, as well as addressing gender-based violence and child protection. By working in these challenging circumstances, we strive to alleviate suffering and address the critical needs of the Rohingya people.

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How can I help refugees and displaced children today?

• Pray for all who have fled unsafe environments — especially children — and who struggle every day to survive as refugees.
• Give to World Vision’s Refugee Children’s Crisis Fund to support refugee families with life-saving essentials.

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Since 2017, nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees have fled extreme violence in Myanmar, seeking safety in Bangladesh. Most now live in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — home to the Kutupalong refugee camp, the largest refugee settlement in the world. Many Rohingya refugees continue to face uncertainty and hardship, with many struggling to recover from traumatic experiences and relying entirely on humanitarian aid. Nearly half of the refugee population are children who have known no other home.

The Rohingya refugee crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how you can help

• Fast facts: Rohingya refugee crisis
• Who are the Rohingya people?
• What caused the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar?
• What are the living conditions in Rohingya refugee camps?
• How is the refugee crisis impacting Rohingya children in Bangladesh?
• How long has World Vision been helping Rohingya refugees?
• How is World Vision responding to the Rohingya refugee crisis?
• How long has World Vision worked in Bangladesh?
• How can I help Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh?

Fast facts: Rohingya refugee crisis

• In August 2017, hundreds of thousands of stateless Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in a matter of weeks, fleeing violence in Myanmar.
• The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees described the onset of the 2017 Rohingya refugee crisis as “the most urgent refugee emergency in the world.”
• According to UNICEF, more than 960,000 Rohingya people need humanitarian assistance. Of those, over 499,000 are children.
• Bangladesh, where nearly all the Rohingya refugee camps are located, is among the most natural disaster–prone countries in the world. From April to November, heavy monsoon rains make life more perilous for refugees in the overcrowded camps.
• Rohingya families face overcrowded shelters, food insecurity, poor sanitation, limited healthcare, and few educational opportunities.

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Who are the Rohingya people?

The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group that has historically resided in northern Rakhine State in Myanmar, which shares borders with Bangladesh and India. Although the Rohingya have lived in Myanmar for centuries, they are not recognized as an official ethnic group and have been ineligible for citizenship since 1982, which has rendered them stateless. The Rohingya people were not counted in Myanmar’s most recent census in 2014.

As a result, even before the current crisis, Rohingya children and families endured immense vulnerabilities. Their stateless status leaves them without legal rights and protections, exposing them to various forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, child labor, child marriage, violence, and other abuses.

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What caused the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar?

The Rohingya people have long faced violence and discrimination in Myanmar. Armed conflict escalated in August 2017 in Rakhine State, causing Rohingya to flee to nearby Bangladesh. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation in September of that year as “the world’s fastest-developing refugee emergency and a humanitarian and human rights nightmare.”

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What are the living conditions in Rohingya refugee camps?

Living conditions in Rohingya camps are challenging and substandard. People face overcrowding, inadequate shelter, limited sanitation facilities, scarce access to clean water, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of basic services. These harsh conditions put people at risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and exploitation, especially for children, women, and people with disabilities.

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How is the refugee crisis impacting Rohingya children in Bangladesh?

Rohingya children face significant challenges and vulnerabilities due to the refugee crisis, including:

• Limited educational opportunities: Most children are unable to attend school due to a lack of resources and facilities in refugee camps.
• Health risks: Overcrowded living conditions contribute to many health issues, including the rapid spread of diseases and malnutrition. Also, the lack of essential services, such as access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and adequate healthcare, further endangers Rohingya children. This leaves them vulnerable to preventable illnesses and health-related issues.
• Protection concerns: Rohingya children are at a higher risk of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and gender-based violence, as well as being forced into child labor and child marriages.
• Psychological distress: The difficult experiences of displacement, such as witnessing violence and being separated from family, profoundly impact the mental well-being of Rohingya children.

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How long has World Vision been helping Rohingya refugees?

World Vision has supported Rohingya refugees since 2017, when hundreds of thousands of people fled violence in Myanmar to seek safety in Bangladesh. From September 30, 2024, to January 12, 2025, we supported over 240,500 refugees across 34 Rohingya refugee camps.

Through our dedicated advocacy efforts with international, national, and local governments, World Vision continues to uphold the rights of refugees. Our goal is to ensure the safety and dignity of refugees while advocating for their secure and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar.

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How is World Vision responding to the Rohingya refugee crisis?

World Vision continues to serve Rohingya refugees with a strong focus on the well-being of children and families. Together with community members and partners, we deliver aid that’s dignified, inclusive, and culturally appropriate.  Our ongoing programs include:

• Emergency food assistance and nutrition support
• Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs
• Child protection, education, and psychosocial support
• Advocacy for long-term solutions, including safe and voluntary repatriation

Through our programs, we help empower Rohingya refugees like Shofika (shown above), a 24-year-old woman with a speech disability.  At 16, she fled with her family to Bangladesh, where her speech disability made the already dangerous journey even more perilous. She now lives with nine family members in Camp 13, Cox’s Bazar, navigating the daily struggles of displacement.

Thanks to a partnership between World Vision and the German Foreign Affairs Office called Joining Forces for Child Protection in Emergencies, she discovered new opportunities and hope. This project creates safer environments for children affected by crisis, offering safe spaces, caregiver support, emergency response, and equipping communities to protect children actively. Supported by a caring community and World Vision, Shofika embraces her talents and dreams beyond barriers, and she leads her peers in handicrafts, proving that disability does not define her potential.

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How long has World Vision worked in Bangladesh?

World Vision has served in Bangladesh since 1970, beginning with our disaster relief response to the devastating Great Bhola Cyclone, which claimed at least 300,000 lives. Since then, our programs have focused on the well-being and empowerment of vulnerable children and families, including both refugee and host communities.

How can I help Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh?

Because Rohingya refugees are not allowed to work due to their lack of citizenship, they rely on aid from World Vision and other humanitarian organizations to meet their daily needs.

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• Pray for children and families who struggle to survive as refugees as the crisis enters another year.

Dear Lord, we pray for the families who are struggling as refugees, especially as the crisis continues into another year. We ask for Your guidance and support for those impacted by this challenging situation. Lord, we pray for strength and resilience for all Rohingya refugees and for the international community to continue offering assistance and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods.

• • Give to World Vision’s Refugee Children’s Crisis Fund to help provide for their needs.

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Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision, visits a facility in Bangladesh where Rohingya refugees “shop” for the things their families need.

Chris Huber and Sevil Omer of World Vision’s U.S. staff and Karen Homer, public engagement director for World Vision’s Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributed to this article.

The post Rohingya refugee crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help appeared first on World Vision.

Forced displacement reached a record 123.2 million people worldwide in 2024, driven by conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and instability, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The agency’s Global Trends report highlights the rise in displacement, with Sudan now facing the world’s largest displacement crisis due to escalating violence.

Other impacted countries include Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Haiti — each facing complex emergencies that have uprooted millions of lives.

Below, explore the top six countries most affected by forced displacement and discover how World Vision is responding to support refugees and displaced families. All refugee figures are based on UNHCR data as of the end of 2024.

Venezuela — 6.2 million refugees and asylum seekers

Venezuela’s crisis has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement emergencies, with nearly 7.9 million people forced to flee since 2017 due to food shortages, lack of healthcare, and the search for safety and better opportunities. Most have remained in Latin America, including 2.8 million in Colombia, over 1 million in Peru, and hundreds of thousands more in Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador.

By the end of 2024, 370,200 Venezuelans were officially recognized refugees, and approximately 5.9 million others needed international protection — a 2% increase from the previous year.

World Vision is actively responding across the region, supporting children and families with nutritional aid, clean water, and access to essential health and education services in countries including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru.

Within Venezuela, we partner with local organizations to help families build a better future for their children. As of December 2024, our regional efforts have reached more than 2.58 million people. Our programs prioritize child protection, education, food security, clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and livelihood support to help communities recover and thrive.

Syria — 6.1 million refugees and asylum seekers

Since 2011, the conflict in Syria has driven millions from their homes, with the majority seeking refuge in neighboring countries across the Middle East. Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye) hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, while others have sought safety in Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.

The transition in government in late 2024 prompted more than 500,000 Syrians to return from other countries, according to UNHCR estimates as of mid-May 2025. An additional 1.2 million people displaced within Syria have also returned to their areas of origin. However, many returnees face ongoing challenges, including damaged infrastructure, limited resources, and continued insecurity.

In 2024, World Vision supported over 1.7 million people, prioritizing the well-being of children and families. After the devastating February 2023 earthquake, we launched more than 50 projects, including healthcare services, health and nutrition assistance, education programs, and psychological support sessions in schools, in partnership with local organizations. These critical efforts supported more than 1.8 million people.

Afghanistan — 5.8 million refugees

Afghanistan is home to one of the largest long-term refugee situations globally.

World Vision serves children and families in over 3,000 villages in the northwestern provinces of Badghis, Faryab, Ghor, and Herat. Through partnerships with local community leaders in Afghanistan, we’ve implemented programs to address crises and equip these impacted communities to create positive, sustainable change. In 2023, we reached over 2.8 million people with food and nutrition assistance, healthcare, child protection, and access to clean water, improved sanitation, and hygiene support.

Ukraine — 5.1 million refugees

Since the conflict escalated in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been uprooted from their communities. By the end of 2024, an estimated 8.8 million people had been forcibly displaced — over 5 million as refugees in other countries, and at least 3.6 million still internally displaced within Ukraine. Impacted communities continue to face grave uncertainty, separation, and hardships as the war persists.

World Vision has been responding since the first week of the crisis. In immediate response, our staff in the region aided refugees who had crossed the Romanian border, offering essentials such as food, shelter, cash assistance, and protection against trafficking.

In our ongoing response, we’ve partnered with churches and organizations to support displaced families in Romania, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine, along with their host communities. As of April 2024, our staff have supported over 1.8 million across the region with essential resources such as emergency food assistance, hygiene kits, child protection programs, and much more.

Our efforts in the region have expanded to focus on long-term support, including psychosocial assistance and educational programs tailored to the needs of affected children and families.

Sudan — 2.8 million refugees and asylum seekers

By the end of 2024, the conflict in Sudan had triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 14.3 million people forced from their homes, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

As violence continues and displacement spreads across Sudan and neighboring countries, food insecurity has reached critical levels. Even before the current escalation, about one-third of Sudan’s population struggled with daily hunger.

One of the largest humanitarian aid organizations in the country, World Vision has supported children, families, and communities in Sudan from 1983 to 1988 and again since 2004. Since April 2023, our emergency assistance programs in Sudan and the region have supported over 3.2 million people, predominantly women and children, focusing on food security, child protection, health and nutrition, and sanitation and hygiene.

Myanmar – 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers

In Myanmar, ongoing armed violence and natural disasters, including monsoons and earthquakes, have led to widespread displacement, property damage, and heightened humanitarian needs. With 3.6 million people internally displaced, the situation continues to be complex and dire.

World Vision is actively responding to this humanitarian crisis in more than 40 townships, with plans to reach approximately 3 million people impacted by the turmoil.

For many years, but especially since 2017, people belonging to the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar due to violence, persecution, and human rights violations, most of them crossing the border into neighboring Bangladesh. Since the beginning of the Rohingya crisis, World Vision has been delivering vital aid to children and families living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, including food, access to clean water, sanitation facilities, shelter, and more.

How you can help refugees:

• Pray: Join us in praying for all who have fled unsafe environments — ­­especially children — and who struggle every day to survive as refugees.
• Give: Your gift to World Vision’s Refugee Children’s Crisis Fund will support refugee families with life-saving resources and other essentials.

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A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar near Mandalay — the country’s second-largest city — at midday on March 28, 2025. The shallow quake caused widespread destruction and loss of life in both Myanmar and neighboring Thailand. More than 3,600 people have been confirmed dead, over 5,000 are injured, and hundreds are still missing.

Myanmar earthquake: Facts, FAQs, and how to help

• Fast facts: Myanmar earthquake
• What is the current situation?
• How can I help Myanmar earthquake survivors today?
• How is World Vision responding to the 2025 Myanmar earthquake?

Fast facts: Myanmar earthquake

• A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
• The death toll has surpassed 3,600 people, and 5,000 are injured.
• The epicenter was located approximately 9.9 miles outside of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of six miles.
• Tremors were felt across the region, including parts of China and neighboring countries.

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What is the current situation?

Entire communities across central Myanmar have been devastated. The 7.7 earthquake has caused widespread destruction in Myanmar and was felt as far away as Thailand and China.

Myanmar

Casualties and damage:

• The death toll has surpassed 3,600, and thousands more have been injured.
• The epicenter near Mandalay and Sagaing caused widespread structural damage:
  • Ma Soe Yane monastery collapsed, and the former royal palace was destroyed.
  • Mandalay airport was closed due to a damaged runway.
  • Sagaing’s 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and sections of the highway to Yangon were damaged.
  • In Naypyidaw, multiple homes partially collapsed.

Rescue and relief efforts:

• Relief efforts are ongoing but face serious challenges. Damaged infrastructure and heavy rains are slowing access to impacted areas, while power outages are disrupting communication and emergency services.
• Water shortages, worsened by the hot season and damage to water sources, are putting communities at increased risk of illnesses from unsafe drinking water

“Roads have been severely damaged, making it difficult for us to get aid to those who need it,” said Kyi Minn, World Vision’s national director in Myanmar. “Families are struggling to survive soaring temperatures without shelter, food, or medical care while enduring immense physical and emotional trauma.”

“It is critical that children can return to a sense of normalcy as soon as possible,” he said. “They need safe homes, access to education, and protection from the risks of child labor, marriage, and other forms of exploitation. We must act urgently to ensure these children are safe and can rebuild their lives.”

Regional impact: Thailand and China

• Thailand: In Bangkok, over 800 miles from the epicenter, the 30-story State Audit Office building under construction near collapsed, resulting in at least 18 deaths and leaving 78 people missing.
• China: In Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, tremors damaged infrastructure and caused injuries in the border city of Ruili.

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How can I help Myanmar earthquake survivors today?

You can help World Vision continue responding to disasters around the world, like the 2025 Myanmar earthquake.

• Pray: Join us in praying for children and families affected by the devastating earthquake and for World Vision staff and responders involved in the relief efforts.
• Give: Your gift to the Disaster Relief Fund can deliver hope and practical help to children and families when disasters, such as the Myanmar earthquake, strike.

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How is World Vision responding to the 2025 Myanmar earthquake?

World Vision is deeply concerned about the earthquake’s impact on children and families. Our teams in Myanmar are currently responding with emergency relief. As of June 24, 2025, we’ve supported over 343,100 people with emergency food assistance, as part of our overall response. With the support of our donors and partners, and with God’s provision, we’re aiming to assist approximately 500,000 people with vital aid in the following areas:

• Food and cash assistance to address hunger and meet urgent household needs
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene support to restore access to clean water and prevent disease outbreaks
• Livelihood recovery programs to help families regain income opportunities
• Child protection programs to safeguard children and families living in vulnerable conditions
• Shelter to offer safe, temporary housing for displaced families as they rebuild their lives

Having been present in Myanmar since 1993, World Vision is committed to delivering lifesaving aid and standing with affected communities as they continue the recovery process.

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