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Sometimes aid can have the opposite effect. That's why in 1994 we drew up a code of conduct for providing aid in disaster areas. This states how emergency relief organizations should proceed in the event of a disaster.

The main principles are:

  • humanitarian need comes first
  • no discrimination against the victims, provide assistance based on need without discrimination according to race, gender, age, religion
  • Do not promote political or religious views
  • not be an extension of (foreign) government policy
  • respect local culture, use local capabilities and involve beneficiaries
  • not increase future vulnerability
  • accountability to donors and beneficiaries

Evidence-Based Aid

The quality and effectiveness of aid provision is very important to us. That is why we are a member of Evidence Aid, an international initiative that strives for evidence-based aid. Specifically, it means that we critically and systematically monitor what works and what does not work.

More on evidence-based practice