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Every year more than 30 million people flee their homes as a result of war, political unrest or natural catastrophes.
Many of these people face ruined livelihoods, broken families, and precarious health as they attempt to rebuild their lives in the aftermath.
Oxfam aims to reduce the number of people who die, fall sick or suffer deprivation because of conflict or natural disaster. It does this on two levels: by providing rapid and effective emergency response, and by working to reduce conflict.
Oxfam has a proven track record of responding to the needs of people affected by natural or man-made disasters.
Oxfam concentrates on providing clean water, proper sanitation facilities, food, and health advice, as well as influencing the response of the international community – for example by seeking funds to support relief work, and pushing for changes in policy to make people less vulnerable to disasters.
Oxfam sees the reduction of conflict as critical, not only to prevent the direct devastation it causes, but because it seriously obstructs efforts to help people overcome poverty and suffering.
Wars and violence can prevent Oxfam or other organisations from entering areas where poverty relief programmes are operating, and can further disrupt projects by preventing people getting an education or getting their produce to market.
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