Australia provides assistance to communities in Africa affected by humanitarian crises through trusted and effective humanitarian partners, and deployments of Australian personnel. Our humanitarian assistance is strongly focused on helping address the rising food insecurity in parts of Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Australia also provides protection, health and livelihoods support to communities impacted by conflict.
Why we give humanitarian aid
Natural disasters, conflict, and economic shocks (such as food and fuel price spikes) severely undermine growth, reverse hard-won development gains and increase poverty and insecurity. Women are often also at heightened risk of violence during crises.
In reducing risks from, preparing for, and responding to, crises Australia's humanitarian action saves lives, builds resilience and helps people overcome poverty.
Humanitarian needs in Africa are vast. Humanitarian crises generally involve the mass displacement of people and widespread loss of life and livelihoods as a result of conflict and natural disaster, significantly affecting the ability of communities to recover.
Aim of Australia's humanitarian program in Africa
The broad goal of Australia's humanitarian assistance is to save lives, alleviate suffering and enhance the dignity of people faced with displacement, violent conflict, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. Australia monitors and responds to humanitarian situations, working through trusted partners on the ground