SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Venezuela
Venezuela is currently undergoing one of the most severe economic and political crises in its history, leading to widespread humanitarian needs across the nation. Hyperinflation, political instability, and international sanctions have crippled the economy, resulting in dramatic shortages of basic necessities such as food, medicine, and essential services. The healthcare system is particularly overstretched, struggling to provide care amidst shortages of medical supplies and electricity. Additionally, the crisis has forced over five million Venezuelans to flee the country, creating a vast diaspora in need of support in neighboring countries.
The political climate remains tense following the disputed 2024 presidential elections, which saw
incumbent Nicolá s Maduro declared re-elected despite widespread concerns about electoral
transparency. The repression of dissent continues to escalate, with opposition members, human
rights defenders, and journalists facing arbitrary arrests and violence. In addition to these
domestic challenges, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, creating a
vast diaspora in need of support.
Honduras
Honduras is currently grappling with a complex mix of humanitarian crises that continue to strain the country!s resources and hinder development. Climate-induced food insecurity, high levels of violence, widespread displacement, and public health challenges have left millions in need. As of 2025, an estimated 1.6 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, with food insecurity being one of the most pressing concerns. The country’s Dry Corridor, particularly the southern regions of Choluteca, Valle, and Francisco Morazá n, has been severely impacted by recurring droughts and erratic rainfall patterns. Additionally, the 2024 hurricane season exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, pushing even more communities into crisis levels of food insecurity.
Honduras also faces significant challenges in human mobility, with thousands displaced due to
violence, poverty, and gang-related activities. By October 2024, over 247,000 people had been
displaced internally, and 325,270 migrants passed through the country, many fleeing to
neighboring nations. These displaced populations often face extreme risks, including gender-
based violence, human trafficking, and exploitation along migration routes. Furthermore, the
ongoing dengue epidemic has strained an already overburdened healthcare system, further
complicating the country’s response to humanitarian needs.
Haiti
Haiti remains one of the most challenging environments in the Americas for humanitarian efforts due to its frequent natural disasters and chronic political instability. The country has endured numerous devastating earthquakes and hurricanes that have repeatedly set back its development and infrastructure. Most notably, the 2010 earthquake and subsequent natural disasters have left the nation in dire need of rebuilding and recovery support. Additionally, political turmoil and economic stagnation have led to widespread poverty and a lack of basic services, severely impacting public health, safety, and education.
The situation has been further compounded by Haiti’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The
country remains in the process of recovery from the 2021 earthquake, which displaced thousands
and caused significant loss of life. As a result, the country’s already fragile infrastructure
struggles to withstand recurring storms, and the capacity for disaster response is further
weakened by ongoing violence. Humanitarian aid is frequently disrupted, and many communities
lack access to essential services, including healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition. Cholera and other
preventable diseases continue to spread in overcrowded areas, worsening an already catastrophic
public health situation.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in Central America, is highly susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, which frequently disrupt lives and infrastructure. In addition to environmental vulnerabilities, Nicaragua has experienced significant political unrest and government crackdowns, leading to human rights concerns and exacerbating the already dire economic situation. These issues have resulted in widespread food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and displacement within the country. Humanitarian assistance in Nicaragua is critical to address the immediate needs of those affected by both natural and man-made crises, and to support efforts towards more stable community development.
This consolidation of authority has led to widespread human rights concerns, including arbitrary
arrests, suppression of opposition, and limitations on freedom of expression. Notably, over
76,800 individuals have been sworn in as “volunteer police,” augmenting the government’s
control and contributing to an atmosphere of fear and repression. These developments have
exacerbated the country’s economic challenges, leading to increased poverty, food insecurity, and
displacement. Humanitarian assistance remains critical to address the immediate needs of those
affected by both natural and man-made crises, and to support efforts toward more stable
community development.
Guatemala
Guatemala continues to confront a multifaceted humanitarian crisis in 2025, characterized by
escalating food insecurity, climate-induced agricultural disruptions, acute malnutrition, and
increased human mobility. Approximately 2.2 million people require humanitarian assistance,
with 1.2 million targeted for aid. The crisis is primarily driven by food insecurity, exacerbated by
El Niñ o-induced droughts that devastated staple crops such as maize and beans across 54,000
hectares in 160 municipalities. These disruptions have impacted 9.2 million people, leading to
food shortages and price hikes that worsen malnutrition, especially among young children. By
October 2024, reports indicated 25,000 cases of acute malnutrition in children under five, with
21% classified as severe, resulting in 50 associated deaths. Departments like Alta Verapaz,
Huehuetenango, and San Marcos are hardest hit, where nearly 34% of residents face food
insecurity.
The situation is further complicated by Guatemala’s susceptibility to natural disasters. The
country is prone to hydrometeorological and geophysical hazards, including prolonged droughts,
high temperatures, cyclones, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. In recent years,
Guatemala has experienced significant volcanic activity, such as the eruption of the Volcano of
Fire, leading to evacuations and heightened alert levels. These environmental challenges,
coupled with systemic poverty, have intensified humanitarian needs, particularly among
indigenous populations and rural communities. Additionally, Guatemala’s proximity to Mexico
and the United States has made it a focal point for migration, with thousands of individuals
passing through or returning to the country, further straining resources and complicating
humanitarian efforts.
