Summary

Social and political instability, poor infrastructure and a lack of regular food and income leave poverty-stricken populations most vulnerable to conflict and disaster, with limited resources to draw on for their own survival and protection.

Description

Around the world, millions of people live on
the edge of survival due to natural disasters or
human-generated events such as armed conflict
and state decline. Crises can arise suddenly, like
an earthquake or tsunami. Others can unfold
more slowly, such as droughts, famine and armed
violence and conflict. Either way, those most
vulnerable always suffer most.

Social and political instability, poor infrastructure
and a lack of regular food and income leave
poverty-stricken populations most vulnerable
to conflict and disaster, with limited resources
to draw on for their own survival and protection.
Saving lives and protecting people is at the heart
of Australia's humanitarian assistance.

This brochure is available in the following formats:

• Australia's Humanitarian Aid–Protecting People [PDF 39kb]
• Australia's Humanitarian Aid–Protecting People [Word 24kb]
  

Available: Electronic Version.

To view Portable Document Format (PDF) files you need a PDF
reader. PDF files can be viewed using a number of different software
products. Some free alternatives include:

NOTE: The Australian Government does not endorse or offer
warranties as to the suitability or safety of any of the above-listed products.
As with any software installation, care should always be taken to verify that
the software being installed is appropriate for your needs and malware-free.

To view Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) files you need either a licensed copy of Microsoft Word, or a free Word Viewer which can be downloaded from www.microsoft.com.au. Rich Text (.rtf) files can also be viewed using this software.