Volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations

Topic description

Objective:

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES?

The projects funded under Humanitarian Aid volunteering should:

1. where relevant, facilitate the transition from the humanitarian response to long-term sustainable and inclusive development;
2. contribute to strengthening the capacity and resilience of vulnerable or disaster-affected communities;
3. reinforce disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction;
4. link relief, rehabilitation and development;
5. ensure a high level of safety and security for volunteers.

Additionally, to increase the quality and impact of the action on local communities, projects could include complementary activities. They should also facilitate the active involvement of local staff and volunteers from the countries and communities in which they are implemented.

WHAT IS VOLUNTEERING IN SUPPORT OF HUMANITARIAN AID OPERATIONS?

Volunteering under the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps (Humanitarian Aid Volunteering) takes place in third countries where there are ongoing humanitarian aid operations.

This action gives the opportunity to young people aged 18 to 35 years old to contribute to society by short-term or long-term volunteering activities aimed at improving living conditions of people in need. Volunteering is a full-time (at least 30 and not more than 38 hours per week) non-remunerated activity.

Projects must be in line with the humanitarian aid principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as well as with the ‘do no harm’ principle.