IRC warns of a “triple emergency” in humanitarian contexts

 The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is warning that airspace closures across parts of the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to severely affect global humanitarian supply chains, threatening the timely delivery of life saving assistance to crisis affected communities around the world. Rising fuel and energy prices are increasing operational costs for IRC’s humanitarian programming.

Press release issued by IRC stated that “Airspace closures across the Gulf and Iraq have forced the suspension or rerouting of many commercial and cargo flights which has resulted in the delay of staff movements and disruptions to critical nutrition, medical and emergency supplies”.

The closure of maritime routes is resulting in diversions and rerouting of cargo ships as well as the disruption of the flow of 20% of the world’s global oil exports. These diversions significantly extend shipping timelines, driving up freight costs and insurance premiums for vessels operating in the region.

For humanitarian organizations like the IRC that rely on global procurement systems, the delays are already disrupting supply chains for essential relief items, including temperature-sensitive commodities used in health care, nutrition programs and vaccine delivery.

IRC’s major shipping partners have indicated that vessels must now reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to a month to ocean freight deliveries destined for IRC operations in Africa. This is forcing difficult operational trade-offs, with teams weighing whether to absorb significantly higher costs by switching to air freight where it’s possible, or to adjust procurement timelines and program implementation plans to accommodate longer and less predictable delivery schedules.

David Miliband, President and CEO of IRC, said,

“As has been warned, this risks becoming a ‘slow-motion famine machine,’ with Gaza already seeing flour prices rise by 270 percent in a population staring famine in the face, and fragile countries from Somalia to Yemen at risk of shocks like those seen during COVID and the war in Ukraine”.

The IRC calls on governments and all actors to prioritize humanitarian access in all decisions affecting airspace and maritime routes, and to provide flexible, predictable funding that enables aid organizations to respond effectively to rising costs and supply chain disruption.

The IRC has also issued urgent recommendations to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid can reach those most affected by the escalating violence, including:

•            Restore respect for international humanitarian law: Pending a cessation of hostilities, which would offer the greatest protection for civilians, all parties should respect international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

•            Prioritize aid funding and delivery to maximize impact and sustainability: flexible funding is urgently needed to scale up emergency response efforts, expand health and protection services, and provide cash assistance and essential relief items to families who have fled with little or nothing.