Turkiye: Family which stays in the camp posing for the camera together. Photo: Delizia Flaccavento/Oxfam

Humanitarian aid

Oxfam delivers life-saving aid with local partners and helps communities rebuild after crises.

1.3 Million

people reached with life-saving aid during humanitarian responses

22

emergencies were responded to in 2024-25

660,200+

women were supported with aid during emergencies

1.3 Million

people reached with life-saving aid during humanitarian responses

22

emergencies were responded to in 2024-25

660,200+

women were supported with aid during emergencies

Turkiye: Family which stays in the camp posing for the camera together. Photo: Delizia Flaccavento/Oxfam

Humanitarian aid

Oxfam delivers life-saving aid with local partners and helps communities rebuild after crises.

Past emergencies

Syria crisis

Emergency response to the crisis

2.4 million

people reached in 2024 and 2025 alone

Pakistan floods emergency

Emergency response to the disaster

COVID-19 emergency

Emergency response to the crisis

Cyclone Idai

Emergency response to the disaster

Indonesia tsunami

Emergency response to the disaster

El Niño food crisis

Emergency response to the crisis

Cyclone Winston

Emergency response to the disaster

Cyclone Pam

Emergency response to the disaster

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.

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.

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.

Long-term recovery and resilience

Our initial humanitarian response focuses on saving lives and meeting immediate needs. We then 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.

Humanitarian aid facts

1 in 23

people globally needs humanitarian assistance and protection (UN OCHA).

1%

of the world’s population is displaced from their homes (about 79 million people), and about 42% of them are children (UN OCHA 2022).

Frequently asked questions

What is a humanitarian emergency?

A humanitarian emergency or crisis refers to conflicts, wars and disasters such as floods, fires, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions. Climate change is increasing the number and severity of many disasters and intensifying conflict over natural resources.

Humanitarian emergencies can be complex and long-term such as protracted conflict, or sudden-onset emergencies such as floods or earthquakes.

What is a humanitarian?

A humanitarian is a person who seeks to promote human welfare and improve the lives of others, often through charitable work or advocating for social justice, economic equality, human rights and relief efforts. Humanitarians typically focus on supporting communities impacted by poverty, war, natural disasters, or social inequalities.

Learn more

How you can help

Join Oxfam today and help communities all over the world live free from poverty.