Governments and Parliaments

By SDK, 14 February, 2024

European Union: Humanitarian aid funding increased to 1.8 billion for 2024

With an estimated 300 million people in need of humanitarian aid in 2024, the European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the world's most vulnerable people. The European Commission (EC) announced on Monday that it had approved an initial annual humanitarian aid budget of more than €1.8 billion (US$1.93 billion) for this year, a slight increase of about €100 million compared to the previous year. In 2023, the European Union's (EU) initial humanitarian aid budget was €1.7 billion.

By SDK, 7 December, 2023

Donors pledge $419 million for Central Emergency Response Fund

Amid crushing global humanitarian needs and as hunger, disease and displacement continue to drive humanitarian disasters around the world, top United Nations officials on Wednesday underscored how the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) serves as a lifeline in urgent and underfunded crises. At the Fund’s annual pledging event, forty donors have announced contributions of more than US$419 million for CERF for 2024.
By SDK, 23 April, 2023

The world's largest economies must provide more funding for humanitarian aid

Globally, the scale of hunger remains alarmingly high. Up to 50 million people in 45 countries are on the brink of famine. Although more than enough food is produced worldwide to feed the world's population, 10 percent of the world's people still go hungry. By 2023, the United Nations (UN) estimates that at least 339 million people worldwide will need humanitarian assistance and protection.

By SDK, 18 August, 2022
Write

How to write to a Member of Congress or Member of Parliament

Whether it's US Congress, UK House of Commons or the European Parliament, personal letters and personal emails from constituents can be an effective way to communicate with your representatives. DONARE has put together some basic tips on what to look for if you are writing to a MP or other parliamentary representative.

Start a Petition or Sign a Petition

There are several ways to start an official or private petition. Or you can find one you want to support and sign it. Your options depend in part on where you live. In the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union, rules exist for official petitions to parliaments, and a public infrastructure allows petitions to be easily submitted and signed electronically; in the United States, however, these requirements are lacking. Please note: Unofficial petitions have no legal binding force and are often not addressed to parliaments or their petitions committees.

The Largest Humanitarian Donors

Who is the world's largest humanitarian donor?  From year to year, the numbers vary on how much money governments and supranational organizations contribute to global humanitarian emergencies. Some countries give much more than others, while other governments keep a low profile. But there were also some stable trends over several years up to 2025. Different calculations lead to slightly diverging results. DONARE's rankings are based on financial data provided by the United Nations.

Hold Your Government to Account

Hold your government and politicians accountable to aid pledges and political promises by writing letters to your local Member of Parliament or parliamentary representative. Use your voice to urge government leaders to make international humanitarian assistance and the resolution of violent conflicts their top priority. DONARE has compiled some information for you on how to contact your representative or senator in the Unites States, your local MP in the United Kingdom or the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in your country.