• First and foremost, there is a humanitarian imperative.
  • Aid is distributed without regard to the beneficiaries' race, creed, or nationality, and without any discrimination of any kind. Priorities for aid are determined solely on the basis of need.
  • Aid will not be used to promote a specific political or religious position.
  • We will make every effort to avoid being used as instruments of government foreign policy.
  • We will adhere to cultural norms and customs.
  • We'll try to rely on local resources to respond to disasters.
  • Program beneficiaries will be involved in the management of relief aid in some way.
  • In addition to meeting basic needs, disaster relief efforts must strive to reduce future disaster vulnerabilities.
  • We hold ourselves accountable to those we seek to help as well as those who provide us with resources.
  • We will treat disaster victims as dignified human beings, not hopeless objects, in our information, publicity, and advertising efforts.