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Rights in Humanitarian Crises
Delivering aid with dignity
International law establishes that all people affected by humanitarian crises — natural disasters, war, and other conflict — have an equal right to aid and assistance with dignity. Grassroots experience shows, however, that this right is one of the first casualties of a crisis.
Disasters and conflict don’t affect everyone the same way; they rearrange existing inequalities. In times of crisis, your race, class, gender, religion, ethnicity, political beliefs, and immigration status all affect your situation, your ability to access aid and protection, and your chances of rebuilding your life.
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What UUSC does
In responding to major natural disasters and forgotten conflicts, UUSC finds out who is getting left behind in relief efforts because of who they are and helps them access aid, protection, and recovery assistance. UUSC focuses on the following:
- Strengthening the ability of women and girls to protect themselves from violence
- Ensuring equal access to relief and recovery, irrespective of race, class, and gender
- Extending aid and support to vulnerable people
How UUSC does it
- Analyzes the situation to identify exactly who doesn’t have access to aid and relief — and why
- Forms partnerships with local or national organizations working with people who have been overlooked, disregarded, or ignored
- Strategizes together with them to support those marginalized people in accessing relief and recovery
- Provides partners with technical assistance, funds, and other resources
Featured stories about preserving rights during humanitarian crises
 UUSC and the Papaye Peasant Movement celebrate two successful models for sustainable recovery in Haiti: the eco-village and tire gardens. |
 In Kenya's Western
Province, the Kakamega Grassroots Initiative (KGI), a UUSC partner, is
training youth to become catalysts for peace, in hopes of preventing violence related to the upcoming presidential elections.
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