Background

As a humanitarian organization, our mission is to do whatever we can to reduce suffering and save lives during emergencies—whether they are caused by conflict or by natural events such as earthquakes, floods, or drought. To move fast and efficiently, we partner with local groups who know the people, the land, and the political context of the region in which the disaster strikes. Our network of partners stretches around the world.

In each of the crises we respond to, we strive to uphold both a code of conduct and a set of internationally accepted guidelines for meeting people's basic needs for things such as shelter, food, and water. Underpinning all of our work is the belief that people have rights to life and security—including essential services, a decent livelihood, and a voice in decision-making. Advocating people's rights is central to our mission.

Disasters and the way we respond to them can be catalysts for social change, a chance to create lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. Our comprehensive response to disasters allows us to work with communities on finding those solutions. Our focus includes helping people improve their means of earning a living, addressing basic public health issues, and working with communities to prepare for emergencies and prevent natural events from becoming disasters.

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