Why we give aid

Many of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people live in fragile and conflict affected states. Fragility and armed conflict result in substantial impacts on communities, the surrounding region, and the international community–insecurity grows, poverty increases, development lags behind, and humanitarian need increases. Within our region, fifteen of Australia's nearest neighbours are among the world's least developed countries, and seven of the top ten recipients of Australian aid are considered fragile. It is in our national interests to promote stability and prosperity in our region and beyond.

How we give aid

Stabilisation provides support to countries emerging from, or at risk of descending into, violent conflict. It involves international actors working with a range of local partners to: prevent or reduce violence; protect people and key institutions; promote political processes which are conducted without resort to armed violence; allow the delivery of basic services to affected people; and help create conditions for longer term development which fosters societal resilience.

Recovery is the bridge between crisis response and the long term humanitarian, political, security and development activities; it is about securing immediate stability and anchoring the peace. Recovery may begin in either a natural disaster or conflict-affected humanitarian setting but is guided by development principles. Depending on the circumstances it includes early efforts to: resuscitate markets, generate employment and livelihoods, ensure the delivery of basic services, and build core capacity to manage political, security and development processes. Recovery efforts provide opportunities to build early strengths and resilience, but can do harm if not well targeted, planned and coordinated.

DFAT plays an active role across government and with international partners to strengthen Australia's ability to work effectively in stabilisation and recovery environments as part of the national security framework. This is achieved through:

• providing policy advice, advocacy and liaison within government on stabilisation and recovery issues
• contributing to stabilisation efforts across whole-of-government partners
• Australia Assists deployments to support disaster preparedness, post-disaster recovery efforts, election support, and conflict prevention in our region
• contributing to the development of civil-military policy and practices and involvement in civil-military exercises such as Talisman Sabre 2017.