The European Humanitarian Forum took place on 20-21st March in Brussels. High-level discussions, policy debates and workshops, were aimed at finding innovative, sustainable and effective solutions to emerging humanitarian challenges.
It is estimated that 339 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2023. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has not only caused immense suffering and destruction in this country but has also worsened the already dire humanitarian situation around the globe.
At the forum, EU Member States together with the European Commission announced their commitment to allocate 8.4 billion euros for humanitarian aid on a global scale in 2023. Together with international organizations and representatives of civil society organisations it was discussed how to mobilize the efforts of international donors, respond to needs and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.
The forum was organized by the European Commission (DG ECHO) together with the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Lithuania was represented by the delegates of the Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 2022, Lithuania allocated 12 million euros to disaster-stricken countries. Most of the funds are intended for Ukraine, which is experiencing Russian military aggression, as well as for Moldova, which is receiving war refugees from Ukraine. In 2022, Lithuania also provided humanitarian aid to Belize, Pakistan, Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
