By Rachel Huss, Managing Editor and Staff Writer

Every day, there is something occurring outside of the United States. While we may pay attention to a quick clip on social media, do we really know the extent of the damage and suffering occurring in these foreign countries? We’re all quick to say, “That doesn’t affect me, so why should I care?”. The truth is, we can support foreign countries, not just financially, but through donating clothing and food, volunteering with the American Red Cross, participating in online campaigns, and more. Below are a few examples of countries in need of humanitarian relief. 

Gaza

Gaza has been in famine since the beginning of the war with Israel in 2023, but recently, their already-limited food sources have been dwindling even more. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 361 Palestinians have died due to malnutrition. 130 of those people are children. 

The Humanitarian Country Team, an inter-agency humanitarian effort in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, reported, “Nearly one million people are now left with no safe or viable options – neither the north nor the south offers safety”. As Palestinians are left with food insecurity, the Israeli military has ordered them to vacate Gaza City; however, they have nowhere to go. One million citizens are battling the decision whether to stay put in what is left of their homes, but be put at a higher risk of violence, or to run away to nothing in sight. Palestinians who choose to leave have been met with dangerous roads, overrun shelters, and limited transportation. The Humanitarian Country Team is begging for a ceasefire. They are demanding that the International community act: Calling for an immediate ceasefire and requesting that they uphold international humanitarian law, including the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained. “This catastrophe is human-made, and responsibility rests with us all”.

“Israel – stop the Bombing of Gaza” by John Englart (Takver) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Haiti

Haiti has been in a state of crisis and civil unrest for decades; however,  within the past few years, conditions have worsened, creating a travel warning. Haiti has been overrun with gang violence, starvation, and overall instability from their government. The United Nations relief chief states, “[W]e need to do better [because] they [Haitians] don’t want to be here. They want to rebuild their lives. They want education for their kids. They want healthcare they need. They need clean water.” 

Gangs have taken over the government, especially after the assassination of President Jovenel Moϊse in 2021. They have overruled cities, neighborhoods, towns, and villages in Port-au-Prince, the capital city. These gangs are responsible for raping, killing, kidnapping children, and destroying the country. Cashmina Jean-Michel is a Haitian businesswoman and mother, displaced due to fear of the safety of her family. She shares,“I lost everything, my belongings, my business, but the safety of my children was my absolute priority. I had no choice but to get them and run immediately. Today, I live in a very cramped space in misery, where I can only keep one of my children while the others must stay with friends.” 

“FMSC Distribution Partner – Haiti” by Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Ukraine

On September 9, 2025, Russia released aerial bombs on Yarova, Ukraine, killing at least 20 people. This attack involved over 800 drones and missiles, making it one of the largest attacks since the conflict began in February of 2022. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, shared a video worldwide displaying the aftermath of the attack, lifeless civilians on the streets, and survivors in shock. Ukraine is not predicting to see any peace in sight for their country or its people. The mental effect of the war is already prevalent, and is expected to be ongoing for generations to come. 

Matthias Schmale, Assistant-Secretary General and humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, comments, “This lasting violence continues to tear lives apart. Recently, the Donetsk region has seen a rise in civilian casualties and damage as hostilities have intensified”. Ukraine is dreading the bitter chill of the upcoming winter season as they are continuing to fight for their country.

These countries and its people deserve peace; they deserve their homes back; they deserve a normal life. While you can aid these countries monetarily, there are plenty of opportunities to give back without spending money. Click on these bulleted links to help:

Sources:

Gaza: Ceasefire urgently needed as civilians left with ‘no safe place’ to go | UN News 

Haiti: UN relief chief implores ‘we have to do better’ to support gang-ravaged nation | UN News

Ukraine: Russian strike on village kills over 20, mostly pensioners | UN News