Geneva: An estimated 204 million people globally are now living in areas controlled or contested by armed groups, marking an increase of 30 million since 2021. This information comes from new findings released by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
According to Anadolu Agency, of these 204 million individuals, 74 million are under the full control of armed groups, while 130 million reside in contested areas. The ICRC's 2025 mapping identifies 383 armed groups of humanitarian concern across more than 60 countries, with over one-third being parties to armed conflict and bound by international humanitarian law.
The ICRC maintains contact with about three-quarters of these groups to negotiate access, deliver aid, and promote respect for civilians. Matthew Bamber-Zryd, ICRC adviser on armed groups, noted that most of these groups are deeply entrenched in the territories they operate in, which presents challenges in maintaining sustained dialogue due to insecurity, counter-terrorism restrictions, and limited resources.
Field research from regions such as Cameroon, Iraq, and the Philippines between 2024 and 2025 highlighted the daily struggles faced by civilians in contested areas, where authority is unstable, and there is a constant fear of reprisals. The ICRC has pointed out that the breakdown of essential services exacerbates risks, as neither state authorities nor armed groups consistently provide necessary services such as healthcare, education, or civil documentation.
Despite the willingness of many armed groups to engage, humanitarian access remains difficult due to challenges ranging from insecurity to legal and administrative constraints imposed by states. Arjun Claire, the ICRC senior policy adviser, emphasized that states and armed groups are responsible for protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law, rather than targeting them.
The ICRC has urged all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and facilitate impartial humanitarian access to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in affected areas.