The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for humanitarian agencies, welcomes the delivery of a standalone humanitarian strategy, the first overarching policy document setting the future directions of Australia’s humanitarian program since 2016.  

“The new humanitarian policy signposts strong direction for future humanitarian action by the Australian Government,” says Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian Lead, “but it needs resourcing of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s capacity and robust financial investments if it is to reach this potential.” 

“We are currently facing the most unstable period globally since World War II. Amidst humanitarian catastrophes in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Yemen, Lebanon and more, a standalone humanitarian policy could not come at a more pressing time. It is imperative the Australian Government urgently implements the Policy’s commitments, through ensuring Australia’s humanitarian program is resourced and supported to meet the moment,” says Ms Brooks. 

 “We welcome the central role of inclusion and equity throughout the policy, recognising that women and girls, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, children and other marginalised groups at increased risk during times of disaster must be included and supported during and after humanitarian response.  

“The policy, and recent remarks from the Foreign Minister, show thorough understanding of the depth of the challenges facing the humanitarian system. We will be looking for clear actions against these commitments; accountability, funding, resourcing of DFAT and an enabling legislative framework. The Humanitarian Emergency Fund has not been increased since 2018,” says Ms Brooks. 

“The Policy’s hesitation to fund Australian NGOs in high-risk settings is closing the door on a valuable delivery partner, trusted by over one million Australians. All humanitarian partners face the same risks when delivering aid, whether it is the United Nations, multilateral bodies or Australian NGOs. They are proven effective delivery partners of Australian humanitarian aid and multilateral institutions, including in Syria, Iraq, Myanmar and Lebanon.” 

ACFID warmly welcomes the announcement of $9 million for the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the initial investment of $5 million to support a newly established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund. We welcome the policy’s commitment to multiyear funding in protracted crises.  

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Lisa Tadrosse at 0401 721 064 or at [email protected] 

Background: 

ACFID’s humanitarian agencies called for this strategy to focus on alignment with humanitarian principles and for assistance to be funded where it is needed, including beyond our region. Our submission called for a whole-of-government, locally led and civilian led focus in the strategy, with commitment to a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach to the challenges the world is facing. 

ACFID Humanitarian Reference Group submission to the new International Development Policy can be found here.