Published on 11 March 2025

Rapid Response and Emergency Relief

Switzerland provides emergency relief in situations of crisis, conflict and disaster, in full respect of universal humanitarian principles. The main objective of such operations is to save lives and alleviate suffering. The SDC’s Humanitarian Aid puts the needs of the affected people at the centre of its activities and encourages their participation in humanitarian efforts.

Saving lives, alleviating suffering: this is the motto of the SDC’s Humanitarian Aid. — © SDC

Emergency relief is the cornerstone of humanitarian aid. It includes the provision of drinking water, food and medical care to people in need. It also includes the provision of temporary shelter for refugees and internally displaced persons. The protection of the most vulnerable population groups is a top priority for the SDC’s Humanitarian Aid.

Needs-based action

Switzerland provides emergency relief where:

• the humanitarian needs are great and a large number of people are facing serious difficulties as a result of a crisis, armed conflict, natural or technological disaster or epidemic;
• the local, national and regional capacities are lacking or unable to cope with such crisis situations and their consequences.

In order to assess needs and decide where and when to intervene, the SDC’s Humanitarian Aid is guided by appeals for assistance from the affected states, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) and/or the competent United Nations (UN) bodies. It also relies on the observations of Swiss representations abroad and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The SDC’s Humanitarian Aid responds quickly on the spot, based on specific needs and in accordance with the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

Emergency relief instruments

Switzerland’s emergency relief takes various forms:

• When local, national and regional capacities to deal with the crisis and its consequences are lacking or insufficient;
• The deployment of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA);
• The distribution of food and basic necessities;
• The disbursement of funds to partner organisations working in the crisis zones;
• Ongoing international and local advocacy to ensure access to humanitarian aid for victims.

• Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) – Placing crisis-affected people at the centre of the humanitarian response

  Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) is a modality to provide humanitarian aid through physical or digital cash or vouchers. Crisis-affected people are best placed to identify their most pressing needs. CVA gives them the choice and flexibility to purchase essential goods and access basic services according to their preferences. The SDC uses CVA both in emergency situations and in protracted crises.

  As a CVA pioneer, the SDC has implemented more than 30 projects with a CVA component since the late 1990s. Examples include the provision of cash to cover the needs of entire families following a hurricane, or the procurement of building materials from local markets following an earthquake.

  Switzerland plays three key roles in humanitarian CVA: First, as an actor, the SDC responds to natural disasters, armed conflicts and protracted crises by implementing its own projects with a CVA component. It also supports the CVA activities of key UN partners and local and international NGOs by deploying specialists from the SHA. Secondly, as an advocate, the SDC actively promotes the systematic inclusion of CVA and the observance of quality standards. Thirdly, as a donor, SDC finances partner organisations that implement projects with a CVA component.

  Using local markets and services in humanitarian aid

  While basic goods such as food and water can often be purchased in local markets, donors and aid agencies have historically prioritised shipping tonnes of relief supplies from their own countries to crisis-affected regions. This practice can have a negative impact on local economies, overwhelming local traders with a huge influx of free goods and items that they cannot compete with.

  CVA, on the other hand, allows humanitarian actors to work with and support local markets. By shifting the place of purchase from the global to the local market, it enables shop owners or local farmers to sustain their businesses even in crisis situations. Relying on existing service providers and encouraging local solutions can also facilitate post-crisis recovery. In addition, CVA often reduces logistical costs, helping to alleviate budget constraints in the humanitarian sector. However, it is essential that local markets can cope with the increased demand.

  Careful analysis of the market situation in the affected region is therefore essential when assessing the feasibility of CVA and designing successful projects with a CVA component. In addition, a reliable payment system must be in place. Most importantly, the recipients and the affected communities must also be in favour of this aid modality.

  • Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) – SDC Thematic Network