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Humanitarian aid and civil protection

What the Commission is doing

The Commission ensures rapid and effective delivery of EU relief assistance through its two main instruments: humanitarian aid and civil protection. Every year, humanitarian aid reaches millions of victims of conflict and disaster. 

Objectives:

  • To save and preserve life.
  • Prevent and alleviate human suffering
  • Safeguard the integrity and dignity of populations affected by natural hazards and human-made crises.

See what other EU institutions are doing on humanitarian aid and civil protection

Key initiatives

Ukraine

Since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have risen to unprecedented levels. The EU has mobilised all possible resources to enable emergency assistance into Ukraine.

Yemen

Yemen remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Millions of Yemenis are left displaced, destitute and hungry. The EU has maintained its level of humanitarian support to Yemen.

Ethiopia

Due to the Tigray conflict, thousands of Ethiopians have sought refuge in Sudan, and hundreds of thousands are internally displaced amid a dire humanitarian situation. The EU continues its longstanding humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced communities in Ethiopia.

Afghanistan

Insecurity and conflict continue to affect people in Afghanistan. The EU’s priority is to provide healthcare and protection services: food, emergency shelter and education to those affected by conflict, disasters and epidemics.