2023 – A time to reach the most vulnerable

Rugiyo*,20, moved to an IDP site in Mogadishu with her husband and two children when their crops failed due to the droughts. Photo: Mustafa Saeed/Concern Worldwide

News6 January 2023Danny Harvey

2022 saw conflict, climate events, a cost of living crisis and major hikes in the price of food and fuel. These recent crises have pushed the world even further off track from the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030.

The conflict in Ukraine has seen the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, over 33 million people in Pakistan have been impacted by the devastating floods last summer and, as we speak, East Africa is experiencing one of its worst droughts in recent history, with more than 28 million people facing life threatening hunger across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. Now in 2023, one person in every 23, a total of 339 million people globally, will require some form of assistance.

A time to hold the UK to account

At a time of worsening need, the UK government has made cut after cut and the overseas aid budget (ODA) is now confirmed to stay at 0.5% for the foreseeable future. We now know to expect further cuts to our life-saving and life-changing programmes that we run with FCDO funding. Sadly, less funding translates into very real consequences for communities struggling to feed their children, access basic health care or receive support and assistance when fleeing from conflict or disaster.

We know that people have lost confidence in the government to deliver on their promises; a poll we carried out showed that just three in ten people are confident that the UK government will meet their pledge to tackle climate change and limit its impacts in lower income countries. The UK used to be a world leader – galvanising global action in the face of disaster and poverty; leading the way in the design and implementation of programmes that delivered real impact for those most marginalised and disadvantaged; tackling the root causes of poverty and vulnerability. In the face of growing climate related disasters and growing humanitarian need, the UK government urgently needs to step up, demonstrating a proportionate response to the multiple extreme crises happening around the world.

Local boy, Aqib Aliin, 14. transports people on his curry frying pan across the flooded waters in Jhuddo town of District Mirpurkhas of Sindh

Aqib Aliin, 14. transports people on his frying pan across the flooded waters in Jhuddo town of District Mirpurkhas of Sindh. Photo: Emmanuel Guddo/Concern Worldwide

How you have helped

One thing that this very challenging year has shown us is just how many people care. People in the UK have a long and proud history of reaching out to the most vulnerable. And 2022 was no exception.

Last year, together with your support, we stepped up to the challenges faced by people across the globe. We responded to the crisis in Ukraine, expanded our work in East Africa, and acted swiftly to the floods in Pakistan. Alongside our emergency work, we continued with our long-term programmes, working with people in the poorest countries to secure livelihoods, build resilience against climate change and reduce gender inequality. This work is essential so that communities can prepare for crises before they happen, putting them in a stronger position when disaster strikes, and ensuring they can recover more quickly.

In 2022, with your support, we filed petitions, briefed MPs and joined with other leading humanitarian INGOs to make sure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard by decision makers here in the UK. As we move into 2023, we will continue to advocate alongside our supporters for those who need it most and ensure their voices are heard.

None of this would have been possible without you, our incredible supporters. Generous donations mean we can reach the most vulnerable at their time in need. Many of you give regular donations which are so important in helping us work with communities long-term, creating thriving and sustainable futures. And one-off gifts help us reach families facing huge challenges, helping them through some of the hardest of times.

We also have an incredible network of volunteers who work in our Concern charity shops, lending a friendly face and helping hand to those looking for a new addition to their wardrobe while also helping those living in extreme poverty. Last year, we had six people take part in the London marathon and thousands more took part in our annual Ration Challenge, raising over £400,000 by eating rations and raising money.

All this is a true testament to the kindness extended to those doing their best for their families in extreme circumstances. Thank you.

Gladys Peter, 23, using the oven where she makes scones for her family's tearoom that was opened with support from Concern. Photo: Chris Gagnon/Concern Worldwide

Looking to the future

We know already that 2023 will continue to bring challenges but we have started the year with a continued resolve to fight extreme poverty and transform lives, livelihoods, and communities. The hunger crises in East Africa is worsening and we are continuing to support our teams on the ground who are responding across the region with emergency food, medical support and cash transfers, as well as calling for more global action to save lives. Concern will also, with your support, continue to push for more significant action by the British government.

We won’t stop advocating for people across the globe and invite you to stand with them and us as we continue the fight to end extreme poverty.