ECHO – The European Union’s Humanitarian Aid Office

Every year, conflicts and natural disaster affect million of people. The most vulnerable often pay the highest price in terms of loss of life and human suffering. A refugee in Guinea, a Kosovar trying to resume a war-shattered life and an Indian whose home has been destroyed in an earthquake have one thing in common: they all need humanitarian assistance. Whatever form the aid takes, human resources and supplies need to be mobilised fast and efficiently to meet the needs of those in crisis, and to prevent further suffering.

ECHO, the Humanitarian Aid Office, was established in 1992 to finance and manage the European Union’s humanitarian operations in non-EU countries. Since then, it has been active in more than 60 countries. In 2001, ECHO provided €544 million for humanitarian action including emergency aid, food aid, and support for refugees and displaced people.

Operating in partnership with non-governmental organisation (NGOs), the specialised agencies of the United Nation, and other international bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, it has helped relieve the effects of all types of crises, from natural disaster to conflicts.

For further information see http://europa.eu.int/comm/echo

- ECHO’s humanitarian interventions
- Publications and documents