Humanitarian Organisations

Oxfam website provides information about Oxfam campaigns, activities and programmes being carried out in New Zealand and worldwide. It will serve as a useful resorce to youth, students interested in finding out more about international development issues and related opportunities.

The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence. It has a permanent mandate under international law to take impartial action for prisoners, the wounded and sick, and civilians affected by conflict. More than 1,400 people, both specialized staff and delegates, are currently on field missions for the ICRC across the globe.

World Vision examines the difficulties posed by forgotten emergencies in its journal of human development. They partners with communities to improve lives. Through these partnerships, communities access the knowledge and resources needed to improve the well-being of children and overcome poverty. World Vision provides a range of interventions tailored to the context, including programmes in education, health, economic development, microfinance, agriculture, water and sanitation.

ReliefWeb is an on-line gateway to information (documents and maps) on humanitarian emergencies and disasters. An independent vehicle of information, designed specifically to assist the international humanitarian community in effective delivery of emergency assistance, it provides timely, reliable and relevant information as events unfold, while emphasizing the coverage of "forgotten emergencies" at the same time. It was launched in October 1996 and is administered by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Peace Brigades is an international NGO dedicated to promoting non-violence and protecting human rights. It offers a number interesting volunteer opportunities to those interested in supporting defenders of peace and human rights in conflict zones.

www.peacebrigades.org


The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the principal human rights official of the UN, Offering leadership, work objectively, educate and take action to empower individuals and assist States in upholding human rights. The Office's priorities include greater country engagement, working closely with their partners at the country and local levels in order to ensure that international human rights standards are implemented on the ground; a stronger leadership role for the High Commissioner; and closer partnerships with civil society and United Nations agencies.

www.ohchr.org

The General Roméo Dallaire Foundation finances specific projects for children of Rwanda affected by the civil war and genocide in 1994. It provides funds for the supply of didactic material, for the building of schools and orphanages, as well as to support the daily operations. In this web page you will find details of the General's own foundation as well as various charities that are working in genocide related topics or other areas close to the General's heart.

Caritas is the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development. Thay work to make a real difference in the lives of people living with poverty or injustice. Gospel values and Catholic social teaching provide the foundation and framework for our work.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome extreme poverty and injustice. "Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender" they declare.

Since 1914, New Zealanders have been helping the Red Cross to respond to disasters and improve the lives of vulnerable people, both at home and abroad. Through war, flood and fire their volunteers have responded willingly and risen to the task with a passion and a commitment that has become renowned. It is a reputation that is richly deserved, embodying the universal spirit of Red Cross. New Zealand Red Cross is one of 186 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide that make up the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.