Each year, natural disasters and complex emergencies around the world affect the lives of millions of people. There is a need for a quick and efficient response in the aftermath of such emergencies on the part of the international community. 

In 2005, Irish Aid provided over €68 million to over 40 countries to meet basic humanitarian and recovery needs of some of the poorest populations worldwide. This funding is generally distributed through our UN partners, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). In the last financial year approximately 46% of Irish Aid emergency funding was allocated to Irish and international NGOs.

NGOs play a valuable role in the development and implementation of Irish Aid’s humanitarian policy and programmes. Ireland has proven in the past to have close, successful relationships with both Irish and international NGOs in the area of recovery assistance. We view this partnership as crucial especially during and in the aftermath of humanitarian crises.

The Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund (EHAF) and the Emergency Preparedness and Post-Emergency Recovery Fund (EPPR) are two keys projects which assist such co-operation.

The specific goal of the EHAF is to save and protect lives in emergency situations through activities such as provision of water, health services and emergency feeding programmes, the distribution of emergency supplies and refugee protection/support. 

The objective of the EPPR is to assist the most vulnerable people in post-emergency societies to re-establish their lives and livelihoods. This includes support for governments to address institutional and human resource issues with the aim of helping create conditions that can lead to peaceful, just and inclusive societies. This is achieved through projects which address capacity-building for emergency preparedness and also rehabilitation of physical and institutional infrastructure following major emergencies.

Contributions sought from either the EHAF or EPPR budget will normally be between €75,000 and €250,000, with each request considered on its merits and in the light of funds available.