GENEVA - The international Red Cross says it needs almost US$940 million (S$1.42 billion) next year to help people caught in conflicts around the world.

The neutral group says its budget for next year will be the highest since 2000.

It says Sudan will remain its largest single field operation, costing about US$87 million.

This is followed by Iraq with US$81 million and Afghanistan with US$62 million.

International Committee of the Red Cross President Jakob Kellenberger told reporters in Geneva on Thursday that the global economic crisis and environmental factors such as drought will likely add to the hardships already experienced by millions living in war zones. -- AP