The Australian Government has launched its new Humanitarian Policy, outlining long-term goals for Australia’s approach to humanitarian causes.
The policy focuses on saving lives, alleviating human suffering, and building resilience in communities.
The government says there is currently more conflict in the world than ever since World War II and that climate change will impact how Australia responds.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said Australia had a proud history of supporting those in need during conflict and crises, but a changing world required a new approach.
“The new Humanitarian Policy is not just about saving lives and meeting humanitarian needs,” she said.
“It is also about protecting the peace, stability, and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region, and the world.
“It is ultimately about shaping a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.”
The policy addresses Australia’s role in responding to crises, as the need outstrips the world’s capacity to respond. It raises concerns over growing violations of international humanitarian law.
According to the government, the new Humanitarian Policy focuses on three key areas: building readiness and preparedness to anticipate shocks before they occur, working with Australia’s international partners to lessen their impact, and improving crisis response. This includes responding to crises and disasters by delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations, protecting the most vulnerable immediately and in the long term, reinforcing the international humanitarian system, and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, pledging $5 million to support the newly established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund, which will deliver rapid assistance during complex crises and disasters in the region.
This policy follows the Albanese in September, to protect aid workers in conflict zones.
Australia brought together ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the UK, to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Pat Conroy, minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, said Australia helped its neighbours just as Australia’s neighbours supported the nation in times of need.
“Our new Humanitarian Policy builds on the relationships and partnerships we have forged over time, enabling even stronger support when disaster strikes,” he said.
“It continues our tradition of leadership and principled humanitarian action as a partner of choice while better positioning us for the challenges of the future.”
The news comes a day after reports that Minister Wong was heckled off stage at the University of Tasmania, where protesters interrupted her speech on international relations, calling for sanctions against Israel.
Wong took to social media on Oct. 16 to condemn recent violence in Gaza, further highlighting the humanitarian concerns at the heart of Australia’s foreign policy. She said:
