These are the 10 most dangerous places in the world today — not just for travelers, but for the children and families who call these places home. From war and political instability to extreme hunger and displacement, these regions face immense challenges. Here’s what’s happening and how organizations like World Vision are working to bring hope through food, water, protection, and more.
News & Stories
Syria
From the Field
Syrian refugee crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
More than a decade of conflict in Syria has resulted in one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises. Approximately 16.7 million people, including 7.5 million children, need humanitarian aid in 2026. Renewed violence in northwest Syria in late November 2024 has driven more displacement, many of them women and children. Millions of people continue to be displaced within Syria and across the region and face ongoing needs for food, clean water, shelter, and education. Learn how World Vision is supporting families in Syria amid uncertainty in 2026.
From the Field
What is a refugee?
The number of refugees globally has reached 42.7 million, and their needs have never been greater, not only for the basic necessities of life, but also for hope and opportunities to be self-sufficient. Explore the challenges faced by refugees and find out more about the global refugee crisis.
From the Field
Forced to flee: Top countries refugees are coming from
Explore the top countries where refugees are coming from, what drives forced displacement, and how you can help people affected by conflict and crisis.
Prayers
Hope in hard places: Prayer for Syria
Syrians desperately hope for peace, and children shouldn’t grow up in a war zone. Pray for Syria, whose people are enduring their 11th year of civil war.
From the Field
What you need to know about the Syrian refugee crisis in photos and videos
The Syrian refugee crisis remains one of the largest refugee and displacement crises of our time. Let’s break this topic down — in photos and videos.
Prayers
Matthew 25: Prayer for disaster survivors
God is with people suffering from disasters — families facing famine, conflict, or the aftermath of earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Join us in prayer for all who find themselves as “strangers,” as Jesus calls them in Matthew 25:35.
From the Field
2023 Turkey and Syria earthquake: Facts, FAQs, how to help
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. Discover the impact of the disaster and learn how World Vision responded to support those affected in both countries. Stay informed and help make a difference in the lives of those impacted by the devastating earthquake.
From the Field
In photos: 23 moments to remember
In 2023, the harsh realities of conflict, displacement, natural disaster, and extreme hunger impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide. As World Vision responded, we witnessed moments of both hardship and hope. See the incredible images of resilience, determination, and even joy that World Vision’s communicators were able to capture in this extraordinary year.
Prayers
Peace on earth: Pray for people in conflict zones
In times of emergencies and disasters, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, earthquakes in Afghanistan, and the war in Ukraine, children bear the heaviest burden. Join us in praying for places with critical humanitarian needs, where daily struggles for basic necessities affect children, families, and communities.