Humanitarian aid

In times of disaster or crisis, many people lose everything they hold dear—their homes, belongings, and sometimes even their loved ones. Life as they knew it falls apart in an instant.

That is why VSO is committed to supporting vulnerable communities in their most difficult times. Since the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, VSO has played a key role in humanitarian crisis areas in 20 different countries.

Effective emergency aid through local collaboration

Community emergency response team pull a boat from the water — VSO trained members of Community Emergency Response Teams in Pakistan to be prepared to respond when disaster strikes.

VSO works closely with local organisations and communities to ensure that emergency aid is tailored to actual needs. Local volunteers and young people play a crucial role in organizing and implementing aid efforts.

Whether it involves food, water, or medical care, we ensure that our assistance reaches the right people quickly and effectively.

VSO supports communities in developing their own emergency response and recovery plans. We not only provide immediate assistance in times of crisis but also help people become better prepared for future disasters.

This includes key sectors such as healthcare, education, and employment. Local communities are actively involved in deciding how aid is distributed. Our experts also provide financial support, food packages, protection, and psychosocial care.

Special focus on the most vulnerable groups

VSO ensures that vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, women, and children, have a voice. Volunteers are trained to identify those who may be excluded, ensuring that no one is left behind without assistance.

Together with local organisations, we assess the most urgent needs and develop plans to provide aid in an inclusive and equitable way.

VSO in Action – Examples of our work

Happy child with volunteer in class — VSO is establishing learning centres in refugee communities in Pakistan.

Our emergency response projects focus on both immediate relief and strengthening communities in the long term. From building schools in refugee camps to supporting families after natural disasters, our work has a lasting impact. Below are some key examples of our initiatives.

Learning centres for refugees in Pakistan

Currently, 22.8 million children in Pakistan are out of school, including a large number of Afghan refugees. This crisis demands urgent action. VSO is establishing learning centres in refugee communities and providing children with school materials, ensuring that thousands of children do not miss out on critical years of education during a crucial phase of their development.

Learn more about this project in Pakistan

Resolving conflicts between refugees and the local population

Woman with goat — VSO is helping livestock farmers rebuild their herds on the Kenya/Ethiopia border.

In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh—home to one of the world’s largest refugee camps—the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees has placed enormous strain on the local economy. This has led to rising tensions and frequent conflicts between refugees and the host community.

VSO is working with local partners to address these conflicts and promote social cohesion. Young people are actively involved in conflict resolution through youth associations. Additionally, we support Rohingya refugees in creating sustainable livelihoods. Women, for example, are given access to agricultural value chains, while young girls forced into early marriage are educated about their rights.

Learn more about this project in Bangladesh

Goats and water tanks on the Kenya-Ethiopia Border Region

The border region between Kenya and Ethiopia has been severely affected by prolonged drought, leading to the loss of 80 percent of livestock. This has resulted in hunger, poverty, and armed conflict. VSO is supporting 157,000 residents with practical solutions, helping livestock farmers rebuild their herds and providing 10,000-liter water tanks to store drinking water for their communities.

Residents are also trained in sustainable agriculture and livestock farming to prepare for future droughts. This includes knowledge on storing hay for up to three years without spoilage and setting up seed banks for long-term food security.

Learn more about this project in Kenya and Ethiopia

VSO volunteers in action

Mabia, 5, at the ECCE centre – 31, supported by VSO, with supervisor Muslima Zannat Rima, the centre is situated at Camp 15 in Jamtoli of Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. — Volunteers are on the ground in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, supporting refugee communities.

These are just some of the humanitarian crises in which VSO is actively involved. Whether responding to floods in Nepal or supporting survivors of gender-based violence in Ethiopia, our volunteers are ready to save lives and assist communities wherever help is needed most.

VSO adheres to the United Nations Humanitarian Principles

VSO follows the Sphere standards to provide high-quality emergency aid with respect for dignity and responsibility for impact. Everyone affected by disasters or conflicts has the right to rapid and appropriate assistance. Our approach is fair, effective, and accessible to all, based on the five humanitarian principles of the United Nations:

Humanity: We are committed to saving lives and helping affected communities rebuild.
Neutrality: VSO is independent of political, religious, or ideological interests and focuses solely on humanitarian needs.
Impartiality: Our aid is directed to those who are most vulnerable, including women, children, people with disabilities, and displaced individuals.
Independence: We operate without political or economic influence, basing our assistance entirely on local needs.
Universality: Everyone in need has the right to assistance, regardless of where they live or who they are.

Your support saves lives – Become a donor

Through our emergency relief projects, we continue to support people in crisis areas. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors, we have already made a significant impact, but much work remains to be done. Many people are still suffering from poverty, natural disasters, and conflicts.

Together, we can make a difference. Become a donor and provide direct emergency aid to the most vulnerable communities.

Partner with VSO