Vulnerable Groups

Vulnerable groups in humanitarian crises may include women and girls, children, refugees and displaced persons, LGBTI people, elderly people, people with disabilities, people with acute or chronic diseases, religious or ethnic minorities, and indigenous peoples. These populations may face additional risks and challenges during crisis situations, and may require targeted assistance and support to address their specific needs. Humanitarian emergencies can exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of these groups.

  • Women and girls: Women and girls often face additional risks in humanitarian crises, including sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, and trafficking. 
  • Children: Children are at particular risk in humanitarian emergencies, as they may be separated from their families, forced to flee their homes, or exposed to violence, military recruitment, and exploitation.
  • Refugees and displaced persons: People who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other reasons are particularly vulnerable in humanitarian crises.
  • LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) people:  LGBTI persons may be at increased risk of discrimination, violence, and persecution during humanitarian crises, while facing additional threats to their safety and security.
  • Elderly people: Older adults are more vulnerable due to limited mobility, health problems, and social isolation. 
  • People with disabilities: People with disabilities face additional challenges in humanitarian emergencies, including limited mobility, limited access to health care and other essential services, as well as social exclusion and discrimination.
  • People with acute or chronic diseases: Physically or mentally ill persons face additional risks and challenges in humanitarian crises, including limited mobility, limited access to health care and other essential services.
  • Religious or ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples: Ethnic or religious minorities and indigenous peoples may be at increased risk of persecution, violence, and discrimination during humanitarian emergencies. 

DONARE features two humanitarian organizations that focus on vulnerable populations. You can find more non-governmental organizations that work for the rights of vulnerable groups and to which you can donate at DONARE: Human Rights Organizations.

Please note:  A humanitarian crisis can also be rooted in the targeting of vulnerable groups as victims of persecution and discrimination. Particularly at risk are ethnic minorities, LGBTI people, indigenous peoples, and religious minorities.

HelpAge International

HelpAge International is a development and humanitarian aid organization that promotes the social, economic and cultural rights of the elderly. The non-governmental organization (NGO) sees its mission in combating age-related poverty and age discrimination.  HelpAge International organization campaigns for the needs and rights of older people worldwide. The aid organization carries out projects that alleviate human suffering, promote participation and strengthen individual potential. The HelpAge network unites 127 independent organizations in over 77 countries. HelpAge International was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in London.

https://www.helpage.org/

Please note:  HelpAge International serves as the secretariat of a worldwide network of organizations. You can support the work of HelpAge International by donating to one of its network partners.

Partner organizations

Humanity & Inclusion

Humanity & Inclusion (formerly Handicap International) is an international humanitarian non-governmental organization working for the universal recognition of the rights of people with disabilities. The non-governmental organization (NGO) aims to help disabled and vulnerable people in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Humanity & Inclusion was founded in 1982 and has its headquarters in France and Belgium. Partner organizations exist in six other countries: Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Currently, the NGO is active in more than 60 countries worldwide.

https://www.hi.org/

Donate now to Humanity & Inclusion / Handicap International
https://www.hi.org/en/donation

Partner organizations

 

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