World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19 gave us a chance to reflect on the work that humanitarians do in incredibly difficult and high-pressure settings. Today, many aid agencies are stretching limited budgets to reach the most vulnerable people who have been affected by disasters around the world.
Too often, older people and people with disabilities, despite being two of the most vulnerable groups, are not reached effectively by humanitarian programs. In these circumstances it is even more vital that the principle of impartiality, providing assistance based on need alone, is upheld.
Last week six aid agencies, including our partner HelpAge International, launched a new set of minimum standards to support aging- and disability-inclusive responses in humanitarian crises.
About the author
Chris Roles
Chris Roles has been director of Age International, the only U.K. charity focusing on the needs and rights of older people in developing countries, since 2012. Previously he has held senior positions in a number of international relief and development agencies.
