The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has strengthened its commitment to humanitarian action over the last five years, tripling the humanitarian budget for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) from 44.61 million euros in 2019 to more than 133 million euros in 2024. This represents an increase of 7.4% compared to 2023.
Overall, in 2024, Spain allocated over 181 million euros to humanitarian aid, mainly through the AECID. This evolution places our country among the top 25 humanitarian donors in the world, with expectations of sustained growth in accordance with the provisions of Law 1/2023, on Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Global Solidarity.
"Expression of Spanish solidarity"
In the words of Minister Albares: "humanitarian action is not only a priority for Spanish foreign policy, but also an expression of the solidarity of Spanish society and a key tool for building a safer, fairer and more sustainable world".
"Spanish humanitarian action is present in the most serious crises of our time, such as Gaza, Ukraine or Sudan, and in those with less visibility, such as Haiti or Mali", Minister José Manuel Albares stated. In 2024, the AECID also responded to various humanitarian emergencies, including Hurricane Beryl and the migration crisis in Central America, with the deployment of the START team. In total, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation allocated 15 million euros to emergency interventions in 2024.
Humanitarian action is governed by the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and aims to save lives, alleviate suffering and protect human dignity in crisis situations, whether caused by armed conflict or natural disasters. This includes ensuring access to food, water, shelter, medical care, physical and psychological protection, and essential services such as education in emergency settings.
Compliance with International Humanitarian Law
Last year was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with 377 deaths worldwide, in places such as Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. In this scenario, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs defends compliance with International Humanitarian Law in all contexts and by all actors, with the aim of protecting the civilian population and humanitarian personnel, whose work is more necessary than ever.
Today, over 300 million people are in need of humanitarian aid worldwide. This figure has almost doubled in the last five years, due to the combined impact of more than 130 active armed conflicts and the effects of climate change. At the same time, the number of forcibly displaced people has exceeded 123 million, the highest ever recorded. To respond to the need for assistance, Spain undertakes humanitarian diplomacy actions, both bilaterally and through the European Union.
NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION