Jagan Chapagain: Is the global humanitarian system breaking down?

In a January 18, 2026, interview with Al Jazeera, Jagan Chapagain, secretary-general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, discusses the increasing strain on the global humanitarian system. He highlights how escalating wars and declining donor funding, including cuts from the United States and Europe, are forcing the scaling back of critical operations. Chapagain points to exploding needs in regions like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, compounded by climate-related disasters worldwide. He also addresses the growing threats to humanitarian workers and the erosion of international law. The interview explores the challenges to maintaining neutrality and providing protection in modern conflicts.