The Red Cross warned that the rise of disinformation is jeopardizing humanitarian aid and endangering lives, particularly as disasters increasingly affect more people. Their World Disasters Report 2026 highlights that from 2020 to 2024, disasters impacted nearly 700 million individuals, causing over 105 million displacements and over 270,000 deaths.
The report states that the need for humanitarian aid has more than doubled in this period, but harmful narratives are eroding trust and putting aid workers at risk. Misunderstandings around humanitarian principles like neutrality are exacerbated by online misinformation, which is now more widespread due to digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
Recent examples include false claims about the Spanish Red Cross during floods, resulting in xenophobia, and rumors in South Sudan about poisoned food discouraging aid uptake. Similar incidents affecting trust and safety have been reported in Lebanon, Bangladesh, and other countries.
The IFRC emphasizes the importance of reliable information in crisis management and calls for collective action from governments, tech companies, and humanitarian agencies to prioritize credible information and prepare for disinformation. Without trust, communities are less likely to seek help or follow safety guidance, undermining recovery efforts.
