Humanitarian aid (or humanitarian assistance) can be described as an intervention to help people affected by war, armed conflict, persecution, natural disasters and epidemics to meet their basic needs and rights. Humanitarian aid refers to assistance provided to people in crisis situations to alleviate their suffering and ensure their survival, intended to meet the basic needs of individuals and communities.
Humanitarian aid can take many forms, including the provision of essential goods and services such as food, water, shelter, medical care, and protection. It also involves the delivery of emergency relief and the implementation of longer-term programs aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, improving access to basic services, and addressing the root causes of crises. Humanitarian aid can also include interventions that seek to prevent a crisis or mitigate the scale of an emergency situation.
Humanitarian assistance is often provided by international organizations, national governments, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local partners working together to deliver assistance to those in need. Humanitarian aid is based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence and aims to help people in crisis situations regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.