Council of the European Union calls for more attention to humanitarian aid

Brussels – The Council of the European Union approved today (May 7) conclusions on protection in humanitarian settings. The EU calls for more support for civilian populations in need from member states, with targeted actions, and from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

The objective is to provide an emergency response to alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity wherever needed. In this context, the Council of the European Union recalls that it is the primary task and responsibility of states to protect and ensure the safety of individuals through the protection and enforcement of targeted actions, such as mine action, prevention of gender-based violence, protection of children, and protection of persons with disabilities.

In conclusion, the Council of the EU calls on the Union and its member states to increase funding dedicated to protection interventions, encourage support of activities to break the cycle of violence and recognize the need to invest to develop the protection capacity of humanitarian actors, including national and international humanitarian workers and organizations. Therefore, increasing the standard and security of humanitarian aid requires more collaboration between states and NGOs.