Humanitarian funding review: our future response to global humanitarian crises

1. Background

This humanitarian funding review has taken place during a period of significant change in the international aid sector. Several bilateral donors have announced significant funding cuts (USA, UK, Germany and others) whilst key actors in the humanitarian sector, including the UN, have signalled the need for a ‘reset’.

"This is a defining moment for the humanitarian community, as we face a profound crisis of legitimacy, morale, and funding" (Tom Fletcher)^[3]

Humanitarian response is a key part of the Scottish Governments’ contribution as a member of the international community. The £1 million per year Scottish Government Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) was established in 2017 to provide more certainty in responding to humanitarian emergencies through Scottish based partners, and to ensure the humanitarian funding was used effectively and transparently. In addition to the HEF, Scottish Government has also delivered humanitarian objectives through its International Development Fund (IDF) and Climate Justice Fund (CJF).

The main aim of the HEF is to provide immediate and effective assistance to reduce the threat to life and wellbeing for a large number of a population faced with a humanitarian emergency. Additional objectives include:

• Building public awareness in Scotland of humanitarian crises and raise additional funding;
• Demonstrating the Scottish Government’s role as a responsible global citizen in responding to global humanitarian challenges; and,
• Bringing enhanced transparency and predictability to the Scottish Government’s emergency funding.

Wider considerations relate to:

• Shifting power south and contributing to the localisation agenda
• Recognising Scottish expertise.
• Raising awareness of hidden crises.

All of Scottish Government Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is guided by the Scottish Government’s commitment to taking a Feminist Approach to International Relations (FAIR) and to its International Development Principles, which aim to shift power south and equalise aid.