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Saving Lives, Relieving Suffering, Protecting Dignity: DFID's Humanitarian Policy

Author: Department for International Development
Date: 2006
Size: 30 pages (960 KB)

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Summary

There is a renewed consensus among donors about the importance of needs-based, independent humanitarian action and the international responsibility to protect people from violence and abuse. This policy statement from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) outlines its plans to prioritise and deliver humanitarian work in the future. DFID hopes to improve the lives of the poorest, most vulnerable people by: a) improving the effectiveness of humanitarian responses; b) being a better donor; and c) reducing the risk of humanitarian crises.

Every year, around 300 million people are affected by natural and man-made calamities that jeopardise their lives and livelihoods. Humanitarian assistance remains the primary, invaluable tool available to support people, communities and governments when disaster and conflict occur. However, humanitarian operations remain characterised by a weak evidence base, poor co-ordination and limited capacity. Financing of humanitarian action is often fragmented and unco-ordinated. Linkages between humanitarian, developmental and political action remain weak and poorly understood.

Humanitarian action is underpinned by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Securing practical adherence to these principles is now the critical task:

Responding to changing need: At present there is insufficient capacity to prepare for and respond properly to natural disasters and the effects of political instability. Flexible organisations are required that are capable of accurately assessing and responding to diverse needs and able to make linkages to other forms of intervention, including development.
Navigating a changing political landscape: The distinction between political/military objectives and impartial humanitarian aid can become confused. Whilst military forces have filled gaps in response capacity in many recent crises, the costs of using these assets can be high. Drawing on military capabilities for tasks with humanitarian objectives should be a strategy of ‘last resort’.
Strengthening the humanitarian system: DFID’s humanitarian work aims to comply with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) framework. DFID’s humanitarian assistance will be targeted where the threat to life is most severe, where the extent and depth of suffering is greatest, and where the response capacities of communities and authorities are most limited.

DFID’s policy goals are to:

improve the effectiveness of humanitarian response: Effective humanitarian response needs to be principled, informed, co-ordinated, appropriate and accountable.
be a better donor: The UK government is committed to the principles of good humanitarian donorship, including: adherence to international laws and humanitarian principles; delivery of predictable, adequate and flexible funding; involvement of beneficiaries in design and evaluation of humanitarian response; support for international response agencies; and support of accountability initiatives and regular evaluation.
reduce risk and extreme vulnerability by: strengthening the legal and political protection of civilians; strengthening social protection for populations facing chronic risk; investing in long-term measures to reduce vulnerability and risk; and assisting in identifying new aid instruments for people whose countries do not support a pro-poor agenda.

Access full text: available online

Source: DFID, 2006, 'Saving Lives, Relieving Suffering, Protecting Dignity: DFID's Humanitarian Policy', Department for International Development, London
Author: Department for International Development (DFID), http://www.dfid.gov.uk