Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy

The Australian Government has launched a landmark new Humanitarian Policy to set the long-term direction and focus for Australia’s humanitarian action to ensure it saves lives, alleviates human suffering, and builds resilient communities.

Right now, there is more conflict than any time since the Second World War and the worsening impacts of climate change mean Australia’s humanitarian action must be fit for our times and the future.

The Policy outlines the role Australia will play when need is outstripping the world’s capacity to respond, and disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing.

The new Humanitarian Policy focuses on three priorities:

• Building readiness and preparedness to anticipate shocks before they occur and working with our international partners to lessen their impact;
• Responding to crises and disasters by delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable immediately and in the long-term; and
• Reinforcing the international humanitarian system and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.

The Policy maintains Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific, where Australia can make the greatest impact, drawing on our strengths and deep relationships.

Australia will also provide $5 million to support a newly-established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to rapidly respond to escalation in humanitarian needs in complex crises and disasters in our region.

The launch of the Policy complements the Albanese Government’s global initiative to drive action to protect aid workers in conflict zones, announced at the United Nations last month.

Australia brought together ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom who agreed to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia has a proud history of supporting those in need during conflict and crises, but a changing world requires a new approach.

“The new Humanitarian Policy is not just about saving lives and meeting humanitarian needs. It is also about protecting the peace, stability and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region and the world.

“It is ultimately about shaping a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“When Australia’s friends and neighbours need help, we respond – just as they have consistently helped Australia in our own times of need.

“Our new Humanitarian Policy builds on the relationships and partnerships we have forged over time, enabling even stronger support when disaster strikes.

“It continues our tradition of leadership and principled humanitarian action as a partner of choice, while better positioning us for the challenges of the future.”