Approximately 204 million people around the world live in areas fully controlled by armed groups or in active conflict. This was reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The Committee published a special report on the situation in zones where armed groups operate.
“We estimate that some 204 million people live in areas under the control of armed groups or affected by conflict. This is 30 million more than in 2021. Of these, 74 million are under the full control of armed groups, and another 130 million in areas where such groups are present and active,” the statement noted.
The report identifies 383 armed groups in more than 60 countries, with more than a third of them parties to armed conflict and therefore subject to international humanitarian law.
“We are in contact with approximately three-quarters of these groups to negotiate access, provide assistance, and promote respect for rules protecting civilians,” the report notes.
The report emphasizes that humanitarian organizations face significant obstacles when trying to reach communities living in these zones. These obstacles include both extreme insecurity and legal and administrative restrictions imposed by states.
“We call on all parties to armed conflicts to respect international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, and facilitate neutral and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance,” the report concludes.