Emergency relief at Malteser International

Malteser International responds to various disasters, providing essential support to those in need. Whether in the aftermath of natural disasters or in conflict and war zones, our mission is to save lives, address immediate needs, and create long-term prospects for affected communities.

Not all disaster relief looks the same. How and by whom emergency aid is coordinated and implemented can vary depending on the situation, location and context of the disaster and is decided following detailed assessments. Our comprehensive measures are based on cooperation with local teams, partners and international networks as well as on the expertise of our own pool of experts with over 100 specialists from various disciplines.

Our Headquarters Emergency Relief Team: Malteser International's Emergency Relief Team takes on key tasks to ensure effective and rapid assistance in the event of a disaster. For example, the team is responsible for the education and training of our volunteer emergency relief experts in our Pool of Experts, our Emergency Medical Team (EMT) and the regional Malteser International teams. It develops Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and strengthens our local partners in emergency relief processes. In addition, the HQ Emergency Relief Team ensures that the EMT and the pool of experts are adequately equipped. In the event of a major disaster, the team coordinates the relief measures and implements them on site. The main tasks of the emergency relief team also include investigating the situation and providing on-site advice, procuring relief supplies and reconstruction measures.

Pool of Experts: Malteser International has built up a "Pool of Experts" of trained and experienced emergency personnel that we regularly send to disaster and crisis areas around the world. In the event of a crisis, these experts are ready for action in the shortest possible time and provide important emergency aid in the affected countries. From the coordination of a refugee camp to the construction of water treatment plants - the experts always work closely with the national authorities and the affected population to ensure that resources are deployed as required.

Our emergency relief work is based on internationally recognized standards and principles such as the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), the SPHERE guidelines, the humanitarian principles, the Code of Conduct of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the twelve principles of humanitarian assistance of the German Federal Foreign Office. These include, for example

• The humanitarian imperative: receiving and providing humanitarian aid is a right. Humanitarian aid must be provided wherever it is needed.
• Impartiality and independence: Humanitarian aid is intended to alleviate people's suffering and is based solely on need - regardless of their origin, religion, nationality or political convictions.
• Neutrality: No sides are taken. Neutrality protects aid workers in conflict areas and often enables access to the people affected in the first place.
• Human dignity and ethical standards: The dignity of people in need is at the center of all actions. Humanitarian organizations are committed to providing aid in accordance with the highest ethical standards, including the prohibition of exploitation, abuse and discrimination.
• Participation and accountability: The aid is needs-based and involves local resources and capacities. The actors are also committed to transparency towards the recipients and donors and are accountable for the use of the funds.

By adhering to these quality standards, we ensure that our help is not only effective, but also ethically justifiable. Find out more about transparency and quality.

The area in which we provide emergency relief depends on the needs on the ground and close coordination with other emergency relief actors. The provision of health services and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) is a long-standing and important focus of our work. In the event of a disaster, this includes initial medical aid, the provision of basic health services, access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities and the distribution of hygiene products. We also provide support in the areas of food and shelter in order to improve the immediate living conditions of those affected.

After the acute phase of emergency relief, Malteser International begins the strategic transition phase to development cooperation. This means that the regional teams take over the work and coordinate the further process. In order to continuously improve our operational strategies, we carry out a thorough analysis of the completed measures after the emergency aid phase and reflect on the lessons learned. In addition, we take care of the resupply of emergency material in order to be optimally equipped for future challenges.

In protracted crises, we also strive not only to provide immediate emergency aid, but also to implement long-term support measures. Our aim is to promote the reconstruction of the affected communities from the outset and to develop sustainable solutions that minimize the risk of future disasters. In doing so, we listen to the needs of the people on the ground to ensure effective transitional aid and sustainable support.