Introduction
The EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid has staff and offices in crisis-affected countries and regions. This worldwide network of regional offices and field offices in approximately 40 countries, is a key strength and advantage, providing the EU with a direct view of humanitarian needs.
Why is this important?
The presence of field humanitarian staff around the world allows the EU to have an up-to-date overview of humanitarian needs in each country or region. The aim is to:
- better develop and tailor intervention strategies and humanitarian policies
- ensure technical support and adequate monitoring of EU-funded operations
- make coordination with donors at field level easier
Bringing their expertise from the region
The Commission's humanitarian experts support operations:
- with their specific expertise (in areas such as food, health, nutrition and disaster preparedness among others)
- with their knowledge of a country or region
- provide security or logistics assistance to operations
The allocation of funds for the department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations's field presence (including opening/closing of offices) depends on humanitarian needs and context on the ground. Therefore, the size and type of field presence and the number of humanitarian staff working in the field vary from one location to another.
Their work is often dangerous and emotionally demanding, yet they stay because humanitarian aid can mean the difference between life and death, and between despair and dignity. Humanitarian staff working in communications tell us what is most important to them.
Meet humanitarians working in the field
Why humanitarian support matters
Acting as witnesses to what they see on the ground in places such as Syria, Lebanon and war torn Palestine, regional information officers report on how daily EU‑funded aid brings immediate help to where it is needed most.
What we do is practical. It means providing water where infrastructure has been destroyed, delivering nutritious food to children under 5, and ensuring healthcare for pregnant women through trained midwives. These are concrete services that save lives.
Emergencies are almost constant – typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, alongside long‑running crises in places like Myanmar, Afghanistan and the Rohingya refugee camp. Programmes save lives, but in some regions needs still exceed capacity.
There are mothers being turned away because there aren’t enough spaces. It’s hard to see. But it’s also one of the clearest ways to show the impact of a crisis — and why humanitarian support matters.
Facing crises together: lessons in resilience from Asia–Pacific
Another region marked by overlapping crises and extreme violence is Colombia, Haiti, Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, with recurring natural hazards, chronic poverty and food insecurity. Visiting projects and seeing local partners restores their energy, especially when they see examples of community members helping neighbours.
But it’s healthy to go back to basics: we treat needs. We help people who are displaced - provide basic health care, feed those who can’t afford food, protection for targeted communities, get kids back in school, support for those on the move, fleeing persecution or atrocities.
An intrusive humanitarian: ‘you do it for the people around you’
Acts of solidarity
Even in such fragile settings, these humanitarians see everyday solidarity:
- neighbours in camps sharing food and water
- villagers helping widows and families who have lost everything
- young volunteers refusing to let crisis define their country’s image
The suffering can sometimes overwhelm you because it is so vast. To work in this field, you need to be able to understand and feel for people. Their stories and emotions always have to be part of the reporting.
Bearing witness: an EU storyteller on the frontlines of Africa’s overlooked crises
A region such as West and Central Africa – which faces conflict, displacement and climate shocks, is also marked by strong community spirit. Years of fieldwork teach them the power of local solidarity.
Helping someone start a small business or earn a modest income can make the difference between staying trapped in aid dependency and rebuilding a life.
Giving a voice to humanitarian crises: Anouk’s story
Support remains vital
In Ukraine, Russia’s war has created a huge protection crisis, with civilians and infrastructure directly targeted. In Yemen, hunger is central, with millions unable to meet basic food needs and extremely high child malnutrition. They see how EU‑funded projects restore dignity.
Having water on tap again means families no longer have to choose between cooking, washing, or bathing their children. That level of dignity should never be a luxury, even during wartime.
Focusing on the bright side: Jacques’ commitment to humanitarian storytelling
Their role is also to remind the world that war continues and that support remains vital. Civilians are killed every day, entire villages are wiped out.
This page was last updated on 13 August 2026