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The world’s neglected crises

When the media doesn’t report on these crises, awareness disappears – and so does solidarity.

Our new survey reveals that fewer than one in 10 UK adults are aware of some of the world’s most neglected crises.

This lack of awareness is not accidental. It reflects media underreporting of humanitarian emergencies that affect millions but rarely make headlines.

Most have been unfolding for years, yet they remain invisible to much of the British public – largely because they’re missing from mainstream media coverage.

— Sanj Srikanthan, ShelterBox CEO

The findings come as global displacement hits a record 123 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. 

Which countries are affected?

Cameroon leads the list, followed by Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Mali, Uganda, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, and Somalia.

Some are new countries, while others have been neglected for years. But all represent humanitarian catastrophes that remain underreported and underfunded.

Why awareness matters

When crises are underreported, they vanish not only from headlines but also from public concern. Loss becomes routine. Suffering becomes invisible. And solidarity fades.

Across Somalia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mozambique, families are fleeing from conflict, climate disasters, and deepening poverty – often more than once – with many now living in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters. 

But new research has highlighted just how wide the awareness gap is – with many UK adults not knowing these crises are happening at all. This raises urgent questions about public awareness and the media’s role.

Global solidarity begins with awareness. People cannot act on what they do not know.

Learn how to stay informed

Take a deeper look

The British public’s awareness of humanitarian crises is shaped by what we see in the media. 

When humanitarian crises are underreported, they don’t just disappear from headlines they disappear from public concern. And when loss becomes routine, it numbs both those who experience it and those who hear about it.

ShelterBox is currently responding to five of the most neglected crises. These are in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Somalia.

Take a closer look at some of our responses.

Cameroon: Abi’s journey

Abi was 8 years old when she fled her village from Boko Haram. Minawao camp has been her home ever since. “Minawao is my only reality, my village, my home.”

She’s learned how to build a shelter, provide for her grandmother and sister and try to build a life. But since aid funding cuts – daily life has only become more difficult. “We can’t afford to eat three meals a day, so we eat just once, in the afternoon… These days we even sleep on an empty stomach.”

Abi remains focused on caring for her grandmother and sister.

“My family means everything to me; family is crucial in my life because there’s strength in numbers.”

Her hopes for the future centre around skills and independence. “My biggest dream is to make my grandmother proud of me… One day I’d like to train as a dressmaker. I’d also like to open a shop selling basic necessities… my little sister will be able to continue her studies.”

Read Abi's story

How are we responding?

We are currently responding to five of the most neglected crises: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Somalia.

In these regions, families are receiving emergency shelter, solar lights, kitchen sets, and mattresses. This support helps them rebuild their lives after losing everything.

Solidarity with these communities starts with awareness – you can’t act on what you don’t know.

Join the ShelterBox community today, and stand in solidarity with families around the world facing crisis.

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Learn about what’s not in the media

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and standing in solidarity with displaced families worldwide.

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