People living in poverty are least able to cope with the destructive impact of disaster and humanitarian crisis.
Events like hurricanes, floods and conflict make situations significantly worse, so it’s even harder to break the cycle of poverty. When homes and livelihoods are lost, people may be forced into negative coping mechanisms that put them at risk of harm or exploitation.
Within the aid system, people holding power are often from high income countries. This can make it hard for those affected by crisis to have a say in the design and delivery of the support they need.
When disasters strike, neighbors, friends and family, and local organizations are always first to help before international agencies arrive. We must build that existing capacity and ensure aid is locally led – giving power to those best placed to help and ensuring their voices and experiences are heard.