The work of Belgian humanitarian NGOs will get a new focus in the coming years, namely protecting women and children from (sexual) violence, abuse and exploitation and the 'forgotten crises'.
Federal Development Minister Caroline Gennez and Belgian humanitarian NGOs (such as Oxfam, Caritas, Médécins du Monde, Croix Rouge Belge, and Plan International) have agreed on a new financial framework, setting the geographical focus and budgetary priorities for the next two years.
"We choose to concentrate our aid in areas where the need is extremely high and international support is inadequate," said Gennez. She explained that while a lot of European attention has rightfully gone to the war in Ukraine, there are many more people across the world who need help but are lacking aid.
This is the case in Yemen, where a civil war has been raging for almost a decade, as well as the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) and the countries around the Great Lakes (Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, of which the east of the country has been ravaged by armed conflict and natural disasters for years).
'People remain invisible'
The Minister also highlighted the situation in occupied Palestinian territories, which she said is becoming untenable: last year was the deadliest year for Palestinian children in the West Bank in 15 years, and 2023 is on track to meet or exceed 2022 levels, a recent report by Human Rights Watch showed.
She believes that certain humanitarian crises are being forgotten as a direct result of a lack of political commitment and media coverage.
"This means that millions of people in need remain invisible and do not get the help they need, even though humanitarian aid can make the difference between life and death. This is as true in Ukraine as it is in eastern Congo."
Protecting women and children from (sexual) violence, abuse and exploitation will also be central, as they have been proven to be hugely vulnerable during conflict and disaster situations.
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As part of this new focus, humanitarian NGOs will mainly look to provide dignified shelter for asylum seekers (particularly for women and girls), protection from gender-based violence, provision of health care and psychosocial assistance (especially after sexual violence) and continued education. Cooperation with local partners is possible and encouraged but under strict reporting conditions.
For 2023 and 2024, the budget for NGO humanitarian programmes is €53 million, and organisations can submit their programme proposals until the end of August to receive financial support.
