Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disasters and man-made disaster. The primary purpose of humanitarian aid is to save lives, reduce suffering and respect to human dignity.
It is usually short-term help until the long-term help by government and other institutions replaces it. Humanitarian aid can come from either local or international communities. It is a “fundamental expression of the universal value of solidarity between people and a moral imperative.” Among the people in need belong homeless, refugees, victims of natural disasters, wars and famines.
The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity. It may therefore be distinguished from development aid, which seeks to address the underlying socioeconomic factors which may have led to a crisis or emergency.
