Ein Mann mit AWO International T-shirt von hinten zu sehen und ein anderer Mann steht mit dem Gesicht zur Kamera und hält einen Sack.

Humanitarian action

Earthquakes, floods or droughts: We work with local and international partners to provide rapid and effective assistance in the event of a disaster. For instance, we distribute food and hygiene kits, and treat the injured in mobile clinics. We also help to rebuild houses and social facilities.

How does AWO International work in humanitarian action?

AWO International is committed to delivering aid across the globe. This includes targeted measures to protect life, preserve dignity and ensure people's basic needs are met in acute emergencies. Such emergencies can be the result of earthquakes, floods, droughts, epidemics or armed conflicts. A rapid response is required to alleviate suffering and provide effective support to those affected. AWO International collaborates closely with international and local partner organisations to ensure support reaches those in greatest need.

A central aspect of AWO International's work involves transitioning from acute emergency aid to long-term reconstruction and disaster prevention. This involves repairing damaged infrastructure, improving living conditions, and creating new opportunities for affected communities. AWO International is committed to ensuring that all humanitarian projects address the three cross-cutting issues of gender equality, inclusion, and climate and environmental protection, promoting sustainable development and increasing community resilience.

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monthly donation

one-time donation

35 € Emergency kit for a family, including tarpaulin, plastic rope, lamp, etc.

75 € Disaster preparedness for families with disabled family members

180 € Cash assistance for a family to repair their home

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More informations on the donation examples

Phases of humanitarian aid

Humanitarian aid comprises three key phases, which aim to provide long-term support to communities affected by crises.

Emergency response phase: The basic needs of those affected are identified and addressed promptly. This is achieved through measures in the areas of food, temporary shelter, water and sanitation, basic medical care, and psychosocial support.
Rehabilitation and reconstruction: This phase focuses on helping affected people to restore their basic infrastructure, services and livelihoods. This can be achieved through construction projects, the provision of start-up capital, and health improvement measures.
Disaster preparedness: This phase aims to strengthen community resilience and establish disaster preparedness structures. This includes training communities and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters.

How does AWO International support people in the aftermath of disasters?

Distribution of emergency aid packages: In the event of an acute emergency, AWO International ensures the swift delivery of vital relief supplies, including food, hygiene products and clothing.
Provision of drinking water and construction of water systems: AWO International is involved in humanitarian aid in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Access to clean water is central to humanitarian aid and indispensable for drinking, hygiene, personal care and maintaining a healthy living environment.
Basic medical care: AWO International supplies important medicines and provides support through mobile clinics to enable people to receive rapid medical care after disasters.
Psychosocial support: In addition to providing material aid, AWO International offers psychosocial support. This includes counselling, group activities and other measures to help children and adults cope with traumatic experiences.
Support for reconstruction: AWO International's assistance does not end with emergency relief. We also support affected communities during the reconstruction process, for example by helping to develop central infrastructure and services.
Disaster preparedness training and resilience building: AWO International runs disaster preparedness training to help communities withstand crises and natural disasters. It is important to us that these measures are inclusive and explicitly take into account the needs of people with disabilities in emergency situations.

FAQ

Throughout the entire project, AWO International bases its humanitarian work on the Sphere Standards. In addition to the Humanitarian Charter, the Sphere Handbook contains four binding protection principles to guide interactions with affected people. These four protection principles are:

Strengthening people's safety, dignity and rights while preventing harm.
Ensuring people's access to needs-based support without discrimination.
Supporting people in overcoming the physical and psychological consequences of violence, coercion, deliberate discrimination or the threat of such measures.
Supporting people in asserting their rights.

The humanitarian imperative is about providing assistance when it is needed. It is a fundamental principle that every human being is entitled to humanitarian aid, and it forms part of humanitarian standards. The humanitarian imperative obliges us to provide aid in accordance with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Origin, religion, or other personal characteristics must not play a role. In the event of disasters or conflicts, all necessary measures must be taken to prevent or alleviate human suffering. Humanitarian aid must not be exploited for political purposes.

AWO International has defined three key cross-cutting issues that must be taken into account in all humanitarian projects: gender equality, inclusion, and climate and environmental protection.

Gender equality

AWO International considers gender equality to be a fundamental issue that should be addressed throughout all areas and stages of life. The aim is to ensure equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities for all genders. In particular, the self-determination of women and girls should be promoted. AWO International is also committed to the equitable distribution of resources and the participation of all genders in decision-making processes.

Inclusion

AWO International defines inclusion as the removal of barriers that prevent people from enjoying their rights equally. AWO International promotes the involvement of marginalised groups in the design, implementation and evaluation of projects, ensuring that everyone has access to services and opportunities. Systematic capacity building and expertise development among employees and partner organisations is crucial to promoting an inclusive attitude and measures.

Climate and environmental protection

AWO International recognises the climate crisis and environmental protection as key challenges, and is committed to taking measures that combat the effects of the climate crisis and promote environmental protection in its humanitarian projects. The organisation aims to gradually reduce CO₂ emissions and integrate environmentally friendly practices into the procurement and implementation of projects, in order to minimise negative environmental impact.

AWO International is providing emergency aid packages containing food, hygiene items, and basic everyday goods in Myanmar.

A woman stands in front of a shelf with various medications.

Together with international partners, AWO International is providing access to basic medical care for particularly vulnerable population groups in Syria.

Three people are looking at a construction site. Two of them are wearing T-shirts from AWO International.

AWO International is assisting with the reconstruction of vital infrastructure in war-torn areas of Ukraine.

A woman lies on a stretcher while other women around her learn how to secure her.

Strengthening resilience means being prepared: Participants in a disaster preparedness training course in Nepal learn how to protect themselves and others in the event of a disaster.

Psychosocial support services help children in Syria find new ways to cope with their experiences.

An employee of AWO International sits next to a woman who is working with a sewing machine. They talk and he takes notes.

Through sewing training, women in Bangladesh are given the opportunity to earn their own income and provide for their families.

Project Examples: Humanitarian Action

In the picture, three women are sitting outside a house. They are talking and laughing.

Central AmericaEl SalvadorGuatemala

Disaster Risk Reduction for All

People with disabilities often have less access to education and social participation. Discrimination and exclusion make their daily lives even more difficult. During natural disasters in Central America, this can be life-threatening. In Guatemala and El Salvador, AWO International is committed to inclusive disaster preparedness and comprehensive support for people with disabilities in their daily lives.

A man squats in the middle of the picture and points to a map on the floor. In the background, people are sitting and listening.

South AsiaNepal

Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in western Nepal

In western Nepal, floods, landslides, droughts, and other impacts of the climate crisis are destroying livelihoods every year, particularly threatening the existence of families in rural areas. AWO International and the Nepalese non-governmental organization BEE-Group are therefore working to strengthen local disaster preparedness.

Two women are filling a sack with corn and laughing.

Central AmericaGuatemala

Good harvest despite climate crisis

Climate change poses a threat to the livelihoods of people living in Guatemala's ‘dry corridor’. In partnership with Utz Che', we promote sustainable farming methods and support local income generation, particularly among indigenous women.