Humanitarian aid helps save lives in times of crisis

Humanitarian crises and disasters are increasing in number and intensity, as climate change is causing more frequent and extreme weather events. Escalating conflicts are also having devastating effects on communities, resulting in large-scale displacement, poverty and migration. 

Oxfam is a world leader in delivering humanitarian aid

When a humanitarian crisis strikes — like a flood, famine or conflict — we immediately respond with our local partners, providing life-saving support such as clean water, food, emergency shelter, sanitation facilities and health advice. 

Once the immediate danger has passed, we work with local communities to rebuild lives and reduce the risk of future disasters.  

Our long term development programs and campaigns for change tackle the factors that lead to conflict and disaster such as inequality, poverty and climate change.

Ensuring equal access to safety and services

Everyone has the right to food, water, healthcare and shelter. But when disaster strikes, millions of people can be left without these essentials. Those who are marginalised in a community — such as women and girls or people living with a disability — are at even greater risk during times of disaster, so our humanitarian assistance focuses on delivering life-saving international aid in a safe and fair way. 

We partner with local organisations because they are at the forefront of a crisis and know what their communities need. This means it’s the communities who make and implement important decisions about their own health and wellbeing.  

We also listen to the lived experience and priorities of communities impacted by inequality and crises, and we respond by offering our resources rather than setting the agenda. We are answerable to these communities and they are at the centre of our responses. 

Long-term recovery and resilience

Our initial humanitarian response focuses on saving lives and alleviating suffering. Once the immediate humanitarian needs have been met, we work with communities and local partners to plan long-term recovery. 

This might include helping families diversify their livelihoods and reduce the impact of future disasters. We also work with national authorities and local organisations so they will be better able to respond to, and recover from, future humanitarian crises.  

Transforming the humanitarian system

In times of crisis, long before help arrives from the outside world, people act to protect themselves and their families from hunger, disease and harm. Local knowledge and community connections are critical to disaster response and recovery. 

Our humanitarian response is guided by local knowledge and needs, community participation, accountability, and the inclusion of marginalised groups in decision-making processes. We also advocate for a shift in power and resource allocation to local and national organisations. 

Millions of lives could be saved every year if more governments took action to protect and assist civilians caught up in war and disaster. As champions of justice and equality, we advocate for systems and laws that protect people in times of conflict to be upheld and function properly. Often, this means putting pressure on governments to respect and act according to their obligations. 

We also lobby for improvements in the quality of humanitarian assistance provided by the international community; in terms of how hunger is addressed, how funding mechanisms work and how well humanitarian relief is coordinated.

How is Oxfam delivering humanitarian aid?

1) Helping in crisis

In a world overwhelmed by crises, Oxfam Australia alongside local partners delivers life-saving support exactly where and when it’s needed. We help people in distressing and often vulnerable situations, survive, rebuild, and recover, ensuring they overcome challenges and emerge stronger than before.

2) Saving lives

When disasters and conflicts strike, Oxfam Australia springs into action, providing vital aid to save lives. We’re there at the crucial moments, alongside local partners delivering the support needed to protect those at greatest risk.

3) Building resilience

When people have the tools to take care of themselves, they can overcome crises without being left vulnerable and helpless. Oxfam Australia with local partners help people build this resilience, giving communities the strength and confidence to face future challenges and thrive without outside support.