Save lives

Norwegian Church Aid observes an unsettled world where human lives are threatened by acts of violence, natural and man-made disasters, and limited access to life- saving services and skills. Drivers of humanitarian needs are largely conflict, socioeconomic fragility, and vulnerability to climate change effects. Forced displacement has reached record levels, and protracted crises are increasingly normal. Gender disparities are growing deeper, violence against women and girls remains widespread, and a global backlash against gender equality and sexual and reproductive health rights places hard-won gains on the health and safety of women and girls at risk. While conflict is the primary driver of humanitarian needs, rates of poverty and severe food insecurity are rising, and humanitarian aid needs to adapt to the realities of climate change. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to disrupt the global economy. In the wake of the pandemic, and for the first time ever, the global Human Development Index (HDI) value declined—for two years straight.

Together with its partners, NCA will prepare and take action to save lives, alleviate suffering, transform conflicts, promote life-saving skills and knowledge, and protect the human dignity of communities and people affected by crises and situations of vulnerability. To achieve this goal, we will provide timely and adequate responses aligned with the needs, priorities, and capacities of the people we assist and advocate for equal access to services and protection. NCA will ensure local coordination and long-term planning to safeguard that our programmes complement and link with the work of others, coherently addressing people’s vulnerabilities before, during, and after crises. To this end, NCA will especially emphasise efforts to support locally led humanitarian response and social protection initiatives and assist local partners to become first responders.

Programme Approaches

Timely humanitarian response:

Delivering accountable, timely, inclusive, and effective responses aligned with the different needs and priorities of disaster-affected populations within NCA’s areas of expertise. Prioritising cash and voucher assistance where feasible and appropriate.

Protection of civilians:
Supporting the design and implementation of community- and survivor-led protection plans, including risk assessments, early warning systems, and advocacy for the protection of civilians.

Stopping violence and facilitating dialogue: Mobilising faith leaders and other stakeholders to participate in peace dialogue and advocacy to end violence. Engaging and accompanying actors in conflict into mediation and reconciliation processes before, during and after violence erupts.

Humanitarian advocacy:

Engaging in advocacy to support those affected by crises to claim their rights and access protection and humanitarian assistance. Facilitating protective accompaniment to prevent violence.

GBV prevention and response:

Implementing survivor-centred prevention and responses to gender-based violence through life- saving and specialised services for women and girls. Establishing women and girls’ safe spaces and facilitation of clinical care, quality mental health and psychosocial support, case management, legal assistance, safety, and security.

Safe motherhood:

Facilitating access to safe motherhood interventions through awareness raising and training of midwives and skilled birth attendants.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene:
Supporting affected populations to meet their basic water, sanitation, and hygiene needs. Safeguarding public and personal health by providing safe water and adequate and inclusive sanitation services and promoting good hygiene practices.

Food security:

Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and improved food storage measures. Facilitating cash and voucher assistance to obtain sufficient and nutritious food to enhance a balanced diet. Providing seeds and agricultural inputs.

Disaster risk management:

Aiding community-led initiatives to map and mitigate risks related to weather variations, environmental degradation, and natural disasters. Strengthening partners’ and communities’ capacity for emergency preparedness planning.