The number of natural disasters and their human victims has risen steadily over recent decades [1] to reach, between 2000 and 2005, an average of 300 million people affected. In 2010, 373 natural disasters (such as the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Pakistan) caused the death of nearly 300,000 people and affected 207 million. To these natural disasters, one must add armed conflicts. The goal of humanitarian aid is to provide vulnerable people with assistance and protection, and meet the needs of populations in danger.

Humanitarian action is based on the essential values of humanity and solidarity. Its implementation relies on the fundamental principles [2] of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and respect for independence.

During humanitarian crises, various actors intervene, including numerous, diverse humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They play a fundamental role: in 2008, 40% of total international humanitarian aid (which amounted to 16.9 billion dollars) flowed through NGOs, which had two sources of financing—public funds (3.1 billion dollars in 2008[3]) and private funds (3.7 billion dollars).

Coordination SUD’s Monitoring of Humanitarian Action

Since 2007, the Humanitarian Aid Commission has brought together member NGOs that have significant activity in emergency relief (natural disasters and conflicts) and actions in crisis and post-crisis situations, forgotten crises. It notably tracks the issues and debates around the quality of humanitarian action and accountability by following the work of the Quality & Accountability group.

[1] The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database – www.emdat.be, 2009.
[2] EC/Echo, Le consensus européen sur l’aide humanitaire.
[3] Alain Boinet, Géoéconomie, quarterly review, Winter 2010-2011.