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Country: World Source: World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a major shift in how countries are responding to the health needs of refugees and migrants, with new data showing more than 60 countries – two thirds of those surveyed – now include them in their national health policies and laws. Drawing on data from 93 Member States, the report establishes the first global baseline for tracking progress toward inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems. Human migration is a defining feature of our shared history, driving cultural, social and economic developments across generations. Today, over 1 billion people – over 1 in 8 globally – live as refugees or migrants. Reasons for moving range from conflict and disasters, to economic opportunity, education or family needs. Yet many refugees and migrants face barriers to accessing care, heightened risks of infectious and chronic diseases, mental-health challenges, and unsafe living or working conditions. “Refugees and migrants are not just recipients of care, they are also health workers, caregivers and community leaders,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization. “Health systems are only truly universal when they serve everyone. WHO’s new report on the health of migrants and refugee shows that inclusion benefits whole societies and strengthens preparedness for future health challenges.” Investment in refugee and migrant health deliver far-reaching dividends. They support better social and economic integration, strengthen the resilience of health systems and reinforce global health security. Inclusive, migrant-responsive health systems also reduce long-term costs by enabling healthy, well-integrated populations to contribute fully to the societies in which they live. The new “World report on promoting the health of refugees and migrants: monitoring progress on the WHO global action plan” shows that even in politically sensitive contexts, countries are increasingly relying on evidence, data, science, and established norms and standards to guide how migration and health are addressed within national health systems. Case studies from all six WHO regions illustrate how progress can be achieved in practice – from expanded migrant health insurance coverage in Thailand, to the use of cross-cultural communication mediators in Belgium, and the inclusion of migrant community representatives in decision-making on primary health care delivery in Chile. Gaps remain Despite progress, the report highlights persisting gaps: only 37% of responding countries routinely collect, analyze and disseminate migration-related health data as part of national health information systems; just 42% include refugees and migrants in emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction or response plans; fewer than 40% report training health workers in culturally responsive care for refugees and migrants; only 30% have implemented communication campaigns to counter misperceptions and discrimination related to refugee and migrant health; access remains uneven: while refugees are generally more likely to access health services, migrants in irregular situations, internally displaced persons, migrant workers, and international students are far less consistently covered; and participation in governance is limited: refugees and migrants remain under-represented in health governance and decision-making processes in most countries. The way forward WHO welcomes the progress made and urges governments, partners and donors to accelerate progress by: embedding refugees and migrants in all national health policies, strategies and plans; strengthening the collection and use of routine, disaggregated migration health data for planning and accountability; coordinating across sectors spanning health, housing, education, employment and social protection; tailoring strategies to the specific needs of different migrant subgroups, including those in irregular situations; meaningfully engaging refugees and migrants in planning, governance and service design and delivery; training health workers on providing equitable, culturally-sensitive care; tackling misinformation and discrimination through evidence-informed action; and protecting and expanding financing to safeguard progress for all. WHO will continue to support Member States to translate commitments into action, by strengthening evidence, promoting culturally responsive care and integrating refugees and migrants into resilient national health systems. At global, regional and country levels, WHO will also continue working closely with partners, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Bank to advance coordinated, rights-based approaches to refugee and migrant health. The IOM became the first international organization to onboard onto the Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN), a WHO-hosted digital public infrastructure that enables the verification of health documents across countries. The new collaboration is expected to further enhance efforts to help migrants securely access verifiable health records wherever they go, supporting continuity of care across borders. By becoming the first international organization to join the GDHCN, IOM underscores WHO’s leadership in leading the public health aspects of refugee and migrant health and in fostering trusted, interoperable digital health systems that protect and empower people globally.

Country: Lebanon Sources: UN Children’s Fund, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Population Fund Please refer to the attached file. This Situation Report (#2) provides an overview of the Protection Sector emergency response in Lebanon covering the period 2 to 23 March 2026. Amid escalating conflict, displacement has surpassed one million people, with significant humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure damage, and increasing barriers to access for affected populations. The report highlights heightened protection risks, particularly for women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, with growing concerns around gender-based violence, psychological distress, and child protection issues. The report outlines key response achievements across Protection, Child Protection, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including the delivery of psychosocial support, awareness sessions, dignity kits, and emergency protection cash assistance. It also details ongoing efforts to scale up community engagement, protection monitoring, and service delivery in both collective shelters and host communities. Despite these efforts, the response is constrained by access limitations in hard-to-reach areas, closure of critical service facilities, funding gaps, and overstretched partner capacity. The report underscores urgent needs to expand specialized services, strengthen case management capacity, and sustain community-based protection mechanisms. A spotlight section further highlights the role of NGOs in supporting shelter access for migrants and vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of scaling up community-based responses as displacement continues.

Country: Sudan Source: European Commission Please refer to the attached file. European Commission – Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Lahbib at the Fourth Humanitarian Senior Officials’ Meeting on Sudan Brussels, 26 March 2026 Thank you for your continued commitment to the people of Sudan, almost three years into this devastating conflict. Today many crises are competing for our attention, but allow me to start with one clear message: Sudan remains a top priority for the European Union. From day one, the EU and its Member States have worked to keep Sudan high on the international agenda and to push for strong action. We co-hosted two international conferences, in Paris and London, and we organised three Humanitarian Senior Official Meetings here in Brussels. Today is the fourth one. We are proud to bring the humanitarian community together in solidarity with the Sudanese people. We all share the same hope that one day meetings like this will no longer be needed. It has now been over 1,000 days of war. More than anything, the people of Sudan need peace. The violence continues to drive humanitarian needs even higher. In recent months, we have seen repeated attacks on civilians, on civilian infrastructure, and on humanitarian operations. What happened in El Fasher last October shocked us all. We have seen siege tactics in El Fasher, Dilling and Kadugli. Drones and rockets have targeted trucks and warehouses filled with food for people facing famine, hospitals attacked, civilians and aid workers killed or injured. Humanitarian infrastructure has been destroyed, and attacks on markets have cut off access to goods and disrupted the economy. Last month, together with Ministers from more than thirty countries, I strongly condemned these unlawful attacks. Today I want to repeat that message: I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the violence against civilians, especially women and children and the repeated violations of international humanitarian law. All parties must respect international humanitarian law. That means allowing safe, rapid, and unhindered access to food, medicine, and essential supplies. Civilians and humanitarian workers must always be protected, and people fleeing must be able to do so safely. In this extremely difficult environment, local responders take the greatest risks. Allow me therefore to thank the Sudanese aid workers, including those here with us today. On behalf of the European Union, I want to recognise your courage, your dedication, and your ability to keep going, even in the most dangerous conditions. I also want to honour those who have lost their lives while helping others. Sudan is one of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian workers. This is unacceptable. Sudan is now the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Over 33 million people need assistance. It is also the largest displacement crisis with over 13 million people forced from their homes. It is one of the worst hunger crises. More than 19 million people face acute hunger, and famine is being used as a tactic of war by a party to the conflict. It is also one of the deadliest conflicts with estimates ranging from 50,000 to over 150,000 people killed. Sudan is also a protection crisis. Millions face daily threats to their safety and dignity. Both sides continue to use tactics that harm civilians and violate International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law. This year over 22 million people need protection assistance, almost double last year. These violations of International Humanitarian Law are not just consequences of the crisis. They are driving the skyrocketing humanitarian needs. This is also a gender emergency. Women and girls are facing extreme violence. Sexual violence is widespread, and rape is being used as a weapon to terrorise communities. Women and girls are the most affected by hunger and the most at risk when they are forced to flee. In this sea of suffering, the European Union will continue to stand with the people of Sudan. We will continue to provide humanitarian aid and protection, in Sudan and in neighbouring countries. Despite global pressure and competing crises, we intend to maintain our level of funding. But aid can only work if access is guaranteed, safely and unhindered, including in conflict-affected areas and in areas hosting refugees and returnees from Sudan. Humanitarian aid alone cannot solve this crisis. Sudan needs peace. People need to rebuild their lives and to stand on their own feet again. We cannot allow this mountain of suffering to continue. Allow me to end by thanking all of you who have shared your ideas and expertise in recent months. Those of you working on the ground need strong support, from donors and from political leaders. Next month I will chair the humanitarian segment of the Ministerial on Sudan in Berlin. I will carry forward your messages with one clear goal: to improve how we deliver aid and to bring real relief to the people of Sudan. You can count on the European Union to keep Sudan high on the global agenda, right where it belongs. SPEECH/26/733

Country: Mozambique Source: Government of Mozambique Please refer to the attached Infographic.

Country: Mali Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file.

Countries: Syrian Arab Republic, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Key Highlights As of 19 March 2026, UNHCR estimates that 1,546,317 individuals have returned to Syria from other countries since the political transition in December 2024. Around 147,804 individuals entered Syria from Lebanon between 2–18 March through three official border crossing points. UNHCR and its partners in Syria maintained presence at official crossings with Lebanon, delivering assistance for new arrivals including transportation, core relief items, legal counselling, and information services. In Lebanon, internal displacement surpassed 1 million people. UNHCR and its partners are delivering protection, shelter, and cash assistance under the Government-led framework. UNHCR Lebanon requires $61 million to meet urgent needs of 600,000 displaced people. A slight increase in returns from Iraq is observed, reportedly linked to broader regional instability affecting Iraq.

Country: Iran (Islamic Republic of) Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT Since 28 February 2026, military strikes have impacted strategic sites across Iran, escalating to widespread attacks across more than 130 cities and counties by early March. Between 28 February and 7 March, attacks were reported across more than 30 provinces, resulting in more than 1,300 deaths and several thousand injuries. The geographic scope spans nationwide coverage, indicating a national-scale emergency. Significant damage to physical infrastructure has been reported, affecting 105 critical facilities, with particular impact on 14 health facilities, schools, and essential services, including water supply in 30 villages. A freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island in southern Iran was also reportedly attacked. Seven Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) bases and branches were damaged, reducing humanitarian response capacity. System disruptions have been severe: electricity outages have undermined healthcare continuity, while airspace closures have constrained supply chains and personnel mobility. The escalation has resulted in large-scale population displacement, with estimates ranging between 600,000 and one million households (approximately 1.9 to 3.2 million people) displaced across affected areas, according to Government of Iran figures reported by UNHCR (Middle East Situation Report, 16 March 2026). Overall, approximately 60 million people are estimated to be directly affected by the crisis. The escalation has disrupted essential systems including health, education, water and sanitation, and food supply nationwide. The Government of Iran has activated national crisis management mechanisms, working through civil defence structures and in coordination with the IRCS, which is leading frontline humanitarian response efforts. Iran entered the February 2026 escalation with significant pre-existing socioeconomic and environmental stresses, including long-standing economic fragility, sanctions‑related financial restrictions, high inflation, and limited access to essential goods and services, all of which had already eroded household coping capacities. The country also faced chronic water scarcity with persistent underproduction in agricultural output, infrastructural fragility, and pressure to the health system, with hospitals and emergency services operating under strain due to financial restrictions limiting imports of essential medicines and medical equipment even prior to the strikes. These vulnerabilities heightened the population’s exposure to the unfolding crisis. The escalation rapidly expanded across more than 30 provinces, impacting densely populated urban centres such as Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Hormozgan, where strikes destroyed residential buildings, schools, health facilities, warehouses, ambulance bases, and critical infrastructure, causing widespread system disruption. Damage to water, electricity, and sanitation systems further exacerbated health risks, while toxic smoke and acidic rainfall from strikes on oil depots created acute environmental health hazards. Population movements intensified, with internal displacement reported from major cities and growing anxiety among already vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and the 3.5 million refugees hosted in Iran.

Country: Ukraine Source: International Rescue Committee Please refer to the attached file. In February 2026, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) conducted a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Risk Analysis in Dnipro region to better understand risks faced by women and girls and to inform targeted, evidence-based programming. The purpose of the analysis is to identify key GBV risk factors, affected population groups, barriers to accessing services, and gaps in existing response systems within the current humanitarian context. The analysis is based on data collected from key informants, including representatives of social services, local authorities, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organizations, as well as focus group discussions with women and girls in communities across the oblast. It reflects the experiences and perspectives of internally displaced persons, conflict-affected populations, and other vulnerable and marginalized groups. Findings Overview In Dnipro region, GBV incidents are primarily linked to intimate partner and domestic violence. Physical violence is the most reported form, followed by psychological and economic abuse, while sexual violence remains underreported due to stigma and confidentiality concerns. Most incidents occur within the home, highlighting increased risks in private spaces. Groups at heightened risk include IDPs, women in transit, adolescent girls, women with disabilities, single female heads of household, widows. Displacement, economic insecurity, loss of social networks, and dependency-based living conditions increase vulnerability. Additional risks are observed among adolescent girls due to limited access to confidential services, and among women with disabilities due to reliance on caregivers. Despite the presence of GBV services, barriers to access remain significant. Stigma, fear of disclosure, and concerns around confidentiality limit help-seeking, while transportation challenges, financial constraints, and uneven service coverage further restrict access, particularly in rural areas. System-level gaps include uneven service availability, high caseloads, limited accessibility for persons with disabilities, and weak referral pathways, resulting in fragmented and inconsistent support. Explore more insights and recommendations in the full GBV risk assessment for Dnipro region, Ukraine.

Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached Infographic.

Country: Colombia Sources: 3iS, WASH Cluster Please refer to the attached Infographic. El agua impulsa la igualdad. La participación equitativa de mujeres, adolescentes y niñas en la toma de decisiones sobre el agua hace que los servicios sean más inclusivos, sostenibles y eficaces; invertir en su liderazgo es clave para un futuro más justo. La crisis de agua profundiza desigualdades de género en Colombia. En contextos con acceso limitado a agua segura y saneamiento, mujeres, adolescentes y niñas enfrentan mayores impactos en su salud, seguridad, uso del tiempo y bienestar, lo que hace urgente garantizar estos servicios para avanzar hacia la igualdad. Sin liderazgo de las mujeres no hay solución sostenible. Responder a la crisis del agua requiere un enfoque basado en derechos que reconozca y fortalezca el liderazgo y la voz de mujeres, adolescentes y niñas frente a los desafíos climáticos y sociales.