The Australian Government remains steadfast in its commitment to humanitarian action that saves lives, alleviates suffering, and fosters resilience. As the world faces escalating conflicts and more frequent, intense disasters, the need for effective, principled humanitarian efforts has never been more critical. Calls for compliance with international humanitarian law often go unheeded, but Australia’s dedication to supporting those in crisis remains unwavering.
This new Humanitarian Policy outlines how Australia will leverage its resources, expertise, and partnerships to address humanitarian challenges today and in the future. It emphasizes tackling the root causes of crises, promoting preparedness, and ensuring early action to minimize their impact.
Key Priorities
Build Readiness and Preparedness:
Anticipating shocks before they occur and working with partners to reduce their impact.
Respond to Crises and Disasters:
Delivering immediate and long-term support to protect vulnerable populations and meet critical needs.
Reinforce the International Humanitarian System:
Promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and leading reform efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the global response system.
“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.” – Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs |
These priorities will be embedded across Australia’s foreign policy and development programs, integrating conflict prevention, peace building, and crisis resilience into broader efforts.
Australia is committed to maintaining its leadership in the Indo-Pacific while scaling up efforts to meet future challenges. The policy aims to:
- Increase focus on preparedness, early warning systems, and anticipatory action
- Strengthen support for sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence prevention
- Enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of humanitarian systems
- Promote advocacy for international humanitarian law
- Champion diversity, inclusion, and participation, with a focus on disability rights
- Harness science, technology, and innovation for improved planning and adaptation
Australia’s humanitarian efforts will be grounded in internationally agreed principles and the following commitments:
- Advocating for adherence to international humanitarian law
- Ensuring state-led responses and maintaining the “do no harm” principle
- Addressing inequality and promoting inclusion
- Being accountable to the Australian public, partners, and communities
- Supporting local leadership and decision-making to maximize impact
“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.” – Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery |
To better prepare for future crises, Australia will:
- Expand early warning and prepositioning efforts
- Enhance sexual and reproductive health services
- Improve the sustainability of humanitarian systems
- Amplify advocacy for international humanitarian law
- Foster greater inclusion and participation
The Australian Government’s Humanitarian Policy places people at the heart of every effort, with a focus on protecting human rights and dignity. Through partnerships, local leadership, and innovative solutions, Australia aims to respond to crises effectively, inclusively, and responsibly—ensuring no one is left behind.