The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has strengthened its commitment to humanitarian action over the last five years, increasing the humanitarian budget for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) threefold, from 44.61 million euros in 2019 to over 133 million euros in 2024. Compared to 2023, this represents an increase of 7.4%.

Overall, in 2024 Spain allocated over 181 million euros to humanitarian aid, mainly through the AECID. This evolution places Spain among the top 25 humanitarian donors in the world, with an expectation of sustained growth in accordance with the provisions of Law 1/2023, on cooperation for sustainable development and global solidarity.

"Expression of Spanish solidarity"

In the words of the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares: "Humanitarian action is not only a priority of Spanish foreign policy, but also an expression of the solidarity of Spanish society and a key tool for building a safer, fairer and more sustainable world".

"Spain is involved in humanitarian action in the most serious crises of our time, such as those in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, as well as in those with less visibility, such as Haiti or Mali," Albares asserted. In 2024, the AECID also responded to various humanitarian emergencies, including Hurricane Beryl and the migration crisis in Central America, by deploying the START (emergency medical) team. In total, the AECID earmarked 15 million euros for emergency interventions in 2024.

Humanitarian action is governed by the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, and aims to save lives, alleviate suffering and protect human dignity in crisis situations, whether caused by armed conflict or natural disasters. This includes ensuring access to food, water, shelter, medical care, physical and psychological protection, and essential services, such as education in emergency contexts.

Compliance with international humanitarian law

2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with 377 deaths worldwide, in places like Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. In this scenario, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is upholding compliance with International Humanitarian Law in all contexts and by all actors, with the aim of protecting the civilian population and humanitarian personnel, whose work is more necessary than ever.

Today, over 300 million people in the world are in need of humanitarian aid. This figure has almost doubled in the last five years, due to the combined impact of over 130 active armed conflicts and the effects of climate change. At the same time, the number of forcibly displaced people has surpassed 123 million, the highest ever recorded. In order to respond to the need for assistance, Spain is taking humanitarian diplomacy action, both bilaterally and through the European Union.

Non official translation