Humanitarian Assistance

How the German Foreign Office together with its partners contributes to Germany’s humanitarian aid effort.
Flying helpers
Drones can save lives: When it comes to disaster relief or supplying vital medicines to remote areas.
Topic of the week: Humanitarian assistanceHumanitarian assis
“Volunteering keeps me down to earth”
Six women explain why and how they work in aid organisations in Germany and around the world.
Topic of the week: Humanitarian assistanceHumanitarian assis
Against hunger and oppression
Germany continues to support civil society in Afghanistan – with the focus on the country’s women.
Topic of the week: Humanitarian assistanceHumanitarian assis
Containing humanitarian crises worldwide
Climate change is intensifying humanitarian crises. Hinrich Thölken explains how Germany is helping to contain disasters.
Topic of the week: Humanitarian assistanceHumanitarian assis
Early warning systems save lives
Storms often become disasters when people are not warned in time. These projects aim to prevent that.


“We can make a difference”
Paediatric nurse Heidi Anguria has been working for Médecins Sans Frontières all over the world for 30 years
Arab world
THW comes to Lebanon’s aid
In the wake of the disastrous explosion in Beirut, Germany’s Federal Agency for Technical Relief is providing support in the form of experts and equipment.
Providing help in acute emergencies
She knows no fear: Fiona Bay is a nurse on an aid mission with Ärzte ohne Grenzen (doctors without borders) in Yemen. Here she describes her experiences.
Quick facts
168
million people
throughout the world are dependent on humanitarian aid.
79
million people
are fleeing throughout the world.
1.98
billion euros
were provided by Germany in 2019 for humanitarian aid, making the country the second largest bilateral donor.
2,1
billion euros
have been scheduled in the 2020 federal German budget for humanitarian aid and crisis prevention.
391
million US dollars
were made available by Germany to the UNHCR in 2019, making the country the third largest donor following the USA and the EU
Joining forces for better support
Responding to disasters with a great variety of aid from a united body: How Aktion Deutschland Hilft co-ordinates missions in crisis situations.
Protecting and enabling women
Women in particular are severely affected by conflicts and natural disasters, yet they are the key to development. Three examples of aid from Germany.
Forward-looking, anticipatory help
Worldwide increasing numbers of people are reliant on humanitarian aid. How Germany helps and responds to new challenges.
Video

Fundamental principles of humanitarian aid
What is humanitarian aid? How does the Federal Foreign Office provide assistance? On which principles is German aid based?
Challenges for humanitarian aid
Bärbel Kofler, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, believes humanitarian aid faces massive challenges globally.
Africa
“Act quickly and effectively”
Leo Frey talks about the mission in Mozambique following Cyclone Idai. He knows which aid is the most important, and why a new disaster is on its way.
Germany and the World
Here are the most important links surrounding Germany’s involvement around the globe in the 21st century.
#Quickfacts: Humanitarian Assistance
Worldwide increasing numbers of people are reliant on humanitarian aid.
A networked approach to crisis resolution
Germany contributes to stabilisation and the provision of basic humanitarian services in crisis regions with numerous projects.
On the move solving conflicts
They are mediators, election observers or construction workers: how civilian professionals contribute to the success of peace missions.
Lest we forget
Why wars and crises are often so quickly forgotten – and what aid organisations can do to prevent it
Help for Jordan and Yemen
How Germany supports the two countries that have suffered gravely under war and crises.
Video

50 years german humanitarian assistance
Germany’s humanitarian assistance in Syria
Germany is one of the leading donor states in providing assistance for people in the conflict zones in Syria. A report on the daily reality of the humanitarian aid workers.
Fast assembly for rapid assistance
Young architect Sarah Friede has designed a modular hospital. Her concept could revolutionize humanitarian aid.
“Cultural differences move into the background”
They are always ready for their next assignment: Daniela Fetzer and her rescue dog Onja look for survivors after earthquakes and other disasters.
“My work is defined by international conflicts”
As head of Malteser International’s Emergency Team, Oliver Hochedez constantly travels to the world’s trouble spots.
“Making the most of the situation”
Jacqueline Dürre flies to Iraq every two months. She helps people in crisis situations for Care, the international relief agency.
“There’s always a risk”
Marcia Hamzat has a dangerous job: she clears unexploded ordnance and sometimes helps fields blossom again.
“People’s happiness makes all the effort worthwhile”
Felix Neuhaus was personally affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Nevertheless, the AWO International staff member immediately launched an emergency relief campaign.