Aid workers worldwide face escalating challenges, World Food Program Executive Director Cindy McCain writes, citing increased threats, limited access to those in need and a growing disregard for international humanitarian law. 2025 is on track to match last year as the deadliest on record for humanitarians, McCain warns, calling for a renewed global commitment to the safety and protection of aid workers and adherence to humanitarian principles to prevent further loss of life among both aid workers and the vulnerable communities they serve.

International aid groups say that despite Israel's announcement of lifted restrictions, they have been unable to deliver shelter supplies to Gaza because of bureaucratic hurdles. CARE International, the Norwegian Refugee Council and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that no authorization has been granted for the delivery of these materials, which are crucial for more than 1.3 million displaced Palestinians.

The abrupt loss of US funding has had a severe impact on humanitarian operations at Malawi's Dzaleka refugee camp. Cuts have left nearly 60,000 refugees struggling to meet basic needs, with many forced into negative coping mechanisms as agencies scramble to find new funding. Previously a major donor, the US contributed tens of millions to the World Food Program, supporting food, health and cash transfers, but reductions have forced the agency to cut back on essential services, slash food rations to 50% and shed staff.

Humanitarian groups are urging the Solomon Islands government to raise the legal age for children to marry from 15 to 18. "Even with parental consent, marriage at such a young age can hinder a child's physical, emotional and educational development, and also deprive them of fundamental rights," says Ellen Kahui of Save the Children, which is working with World Vision and ChildFund to raise the marriage age.

Corporal punishment poses significant health risks to children, affecting both their physical and mental well-being, the World Health Organization warns. Children subjected to physical punishments are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and emotional instability -- effects that can last into adulthood -- and also face a higher risk of substance abuse, violent behavior and suicide, the agency says.

Humanitarian principles are under unprecedented strain as violence escalates amid crises like those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaza, Sudan and Yemen, Christian Modino Hok, humanitarian director at Caritas Internationalis, writes. "When humanitarian systems collapse, instability spreads. When communities are abandoned, extremism fills the void. When dignity is denied, trust erodes and rebuilding it takes generations," Hok writes.

Nonprofits are facing challenges in donor engagement due to shifting donor behavior and fatigue, according to Stacie Cornwell, who recommends moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches and instead using data analytics to personalize outreach. Lifehouse, a nonprofit supporting people with developmental disabilities, increased year-end donations by 27% by using a data-driven strategy.

Significant reductions in humanitarian aid have forced clinics and shelters supporting victims of sexual violence in conflict zones to close or turn away those in need, Pramila Patten, UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict, warns. "We are told there is no money for lifesaving aid, even as military expenditure soars, and the world spends more in 24 hours on arms than it does in a year on addressing gender-based violence in conflict," Patten says.