Our approach to emergencies

We're based in countries affected by disasters so we can be there before, during and after an emergency to save lives and support people long term. Through our work with local organisations in these countries, we can talk directly to the people affected to provide the most useful emergency response.

Our response is:

• Fast
• Community-led
• Long term
• Inclusive
• Responsible
• Building skills

We continuously strive to improve our humanitarian response. We're calling for changes to how agencies respond to future disasters.

At the first World Humanitarian Summit in May 2016, we asked governments and humanitarian organisations to commit to:

1. Asking, listening and responding to the people who are directly affected by disasters.
2. Help support local governments and organisations so they are properly equipped to deal with the crisis.
3. Invest in disaster prevention, ensuring communities are well prepared to respond to future disasters.

In depth: our approach to humanitarian and key reports