Non-Governmental Organizations

Humanitarian aid plays a crucial role in responding to the urgent needs of people affected by crises, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies. DONARE consists of more than 2,000 pages related to humanitarian action. You can navigate through some of the content using the topics listed below. Learn about organizations, global issues, and initiatives dedicated to alleviating human suffering.

Canada is home to numerous humanitarian organizations that focus on a diverse range of issues, including but not limited to poverty, health, education, human rights, and emergency response. DONARE has selected 18 prominent Canadian humanitarian organizations that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. The nonprofits on this list have a significant impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide. There are many more Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities and aid groups working both domestically and internationally to address a wide range of challenges.

Humanitarian aid is a complex and multifaceted field involving a network of a wide range of international, regional and national actors, from international organizations and governments to non-governmental organizations and local partner organizations. Each of these actors has a specific role to play in responding to humanitarian crises, providing relief or supporting humanitarian operations.

The United States is home to a large number of humanitarian organizations that work internationally to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance overseas. These aid agencies respond to natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies, providing food, water, shelter, health care, and other critical support. DONARE has selected 27 well-known and influential humanitarian organizations based in the United States that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. The nonprofits on this list have a significant impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Many people dream of working in humanitarian aid or are already active in humanitarian affairs and want to find a new career. Even those starting out in the field have a variety of career opportunities. Remember that humanitarian work is both rewarding and demanding. It is important that you approach humanitarian jobs with a sincere desire to make a positive impact on vulnerable communities. 

The United Kingdom offers a diverse landscape of humanitarian organizations, and is home to numerous charities that work on emergency response, poverty, health, education, human rights, and a wide range of other issues. DONARE has selected 25 well-known and influential British humanitarian organizations that respond to humanitarian crises around the world. These charities have a substantial impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide. 

Australia is home to several humanitarian organizations that provide life-saving assistance on the frontlines of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. DONARE has selected thirteen of the largest and most influential non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or aid networks. In addition to these prominent humanitarian organizations, there are many other well-respected charities, relief organizations and aid agencies in Australia that work both locally and internationally. Australians are known as generous donors to international relief efforts and charitable causes.

Human rights and humanitarian aid are closely intertwined. In humanitarian crises around the world the most basic human rights are threatened: the right to live, the right to health. More often than not human rights violations are the cause of a crisis or at the center of it. Humanitarian organizations also must respect the rights of people in need and must pay attention to them in the provision of emergency relief. 

Faith-based organizations, particularly Christian charities, play a significant role in providing humanitarian assistance around the world.  If you prefer donating to a faith-based organization as opposed to a secular humanitarian organization, DONARE has selected thirteen charity organizations and one alliance that deliver emergency humanitarian aid needed in crises worldwide.

Vulnerable groups in humanitarian crises may include women and girls, children, refugees and displaced persons, LGBTI people, elderly people, people with disabilities, people with acute or chronic diseases, religious or ethnic minorities, and indigenous peoples. These populations may face additional risks and challenges during crisis situations, and may require targeted assistance and support to address their specific needs. Humanitarian emergencies can exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of these groups.

Millions of children are threatened by humanitarian crises around the world. Many are at the center of wars, armed conflicts, persecution, natural disasters, and other complex crises. Children pay a high price for humanitarian crises. They have often experienced or witnessed acts of violence and are at risk of neglect, violence, abuse, exploitation, human trafficking, or military recruitment. Children's rights are under threat all over the world. 

Medical humanitarian assistance and support for health services are urgently needed in crises around the world. A UN agency and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specialize in providing health care in humanitarian crises or in the urgent delivery of medicines to people affected by conflicts and disasters.