Humanitarian Assistance Policy

Ireland’s Humanitarian Assistance Policy outlines how we will assist those most vulnerable before, during and after humanitarian crises.

The updated policy recognises the wider dimensions, causes and consequences of humanitarian crises, and reflects Ireland’s work on supporting vulnerable communities to cope with shocks, and prepare for and recover from crises. It commits us to working in situations of fragility, as well as increasing our focus on evidence, accountability and impact. We will continue to target those most vulnerable and hard to reach, such as children, women, older people and people with disabilities. We will also prioritise forgotten and underfunded crises.

Our humanitarian assistance is delivered on the ground by our trusted partners – the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organisations. Through Irish Aid’s Rapid Response Initiative, we respond in a very practical way to humanitarian crises by deployed highly-skilled personnel and sending vital emergency supplies to those in need.