Swedish Humanitarian Assistance Offprint of Sida Annual Report 2002

Description:
Sida funds humanitarian action from the budget line for humanitarian assistance and conflict management. Humanitarian action in situations of conflict or natural disasters is guided by the humanitarian imperative and the principles of impartiality and neutrality. It should be strictly needs-based and serves to protect civilians and non-combattants and to prevent and alleviate human suffering. This often means the implementa-tion of programmes and services in countries where Sida has no bilateral agreement with the government or where there is no legitimate or internationally recognised government.
Sida generally funds humanitarian assistance programmes that are implemented by UN humanitarian agencies, the International Red Cross, or by Swedish or international non-governmental organisations.