The primary goal of humanitarian aid is to save lives and assist with immediate needs during a crisis. Traditionally this has been different from development aid, which is focused on addressing ongoing issues that cause suffering. Although, some see the two as less and less distinct – and even in need of redefining when envisioning the future of humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Principles
All humanitarian assistance is guided by the humanitarian principles of:
- Humanity, meaning human suffering must be addressed with dignity.
- Impartiality, meaning that aid must be given based on need alone, without discrimination of any kind.
- Neutrality, meaning no preference, favor, or participation is given to political, religious, cultural, or other differences or conflicts.
- Independence, meaning autonomy from political, religious, cultural, or other objectives.
These principles are foundational to international humanitarian law, the UN, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the EU, African Union, and countless other organizations and frameworks. It is because of these standards that humanitarian aid can focus on the most vital needs during crises.
Across the globe, various organizations work together to provide aid in multiple ways. While not exhaustive, a lot of assistance falls into the following interconnected categories.
Shelter
Shelter is essential to people displaced by disasters and conflicts. This can be short-term like in the immediate aftermath of evacuation from a natural disaster, or for more prolonged displacement like that experienced by refugees fleeing conflict.
Food
Food insecurity is a global issue caused by various factors such as conflict and climate change. Organizations like the World Food Program, both directly distribute rations and provide assistance like agricultural aid to help alleviate the worst effects of inadequate access to food.
Healthcare
Crises and displacement come with medical needs. These can be needs for emergency care or ongoing support for pre-existing conditions. People’s health needs do not disappear when experiencing a crisis – reports show they increase.
Water
Access to clean water is both directly and indirectly necessary. Immediate health issues associated with contaminated water are well known. But a lack of clean water has other adverse effects – particularly for women and children who commonly engage in the arduous, time consuming, and sometimes dangerous task of collecting water.
Sanitation & Hygiene
Contagious diseases, contaminated food and water, inability to properly dispose of waste, and lack of adequate personal bathing facilities can cause infection and leave people vulnerable to injury and assault.
Francesca Rome-Marie 
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