Geneva (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will focus on providing relief to those hardest hit by conflicts around the world as the organization takes further steps to consolidate its budget amid a challenging financial environment in the humanitarian sector.
The announcement follows a decision by the ICRC Assembly to approve the organization's 2026 budget of CHF 1.8 billion, a reduction of 17% compared with 2025. These cuts are a response to declining donor contributions for humanitarian aid even as the number of conflicts worldwide increases.
"Today, we face a dangerous convergence of escalating armed conflicts, significant cuts to aid funding and a systemic tolerance for grave breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL)," said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric. "The ICRC remains committed to working on the front lines of conflict, where few others can operate. But the financial reality is forcing us to make difficult decisions to ensure we can continue to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to those who need it most."
"As defence budgets surge, states must also put more effort and resources into preventing conflicts, defending the rules of war and providing humanitarian relief," she added. "Failure to do so risks a world of ever more and greater suffering."
The ICRC remains committed to protecting and assisting people affected by armed conflict. To ensure this, the organization is taking steps to enhance efficiency, streamline operations and diversify its donor base, including increased engagement with non-traditional donors.
Aligning available resources for 2026 with the ICRC's core priorities will result in a reduction of approximately 2,900 budgeted positions* across the organization, with a focus on preserving operations in the field. About a third of the reductions are being achieved through voluntary departures and by not filling vacant positions.
The ICRC's 2026 budget prioritizes safeguarding its presence in the most critical conflict zones, including Sudan, Israel and the occupied territories, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The past year has shown, once again, the ICRC's vital role as a neutral intermediary in those conflicts, its unique ability to reach civilians on the front lines and the importance of continuing to promote respect for IHL.
With over 130 active armed conflicts worldwide, many of which have lasted more than a decade, humanitarian needs were already outpacing available resources. Any funding cuts reduce further the amount of help that can be brought to people who depend on it.
"No amount of humanitarian funding can match the intensity, duration and scale of today's conflicts," President Spoljaric said. "We need urgent action from states to prevent and resolve conflicts, uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that humanitarian organizations such as the ICRC can continue to save lives and alleviate suffering."
