HUMANITARIAN ACTION
'We now mix salty water with drinking water to mask its taste, and make our children drink it.'
HUMANITARIAN ACTION
'We now mix salty water with drinking water to mask its taste, and make our children drink it.'
‘It’s been two days since my children had dinner. There’s not enough bread for everyone, and not enough water.
The children are very scared. They cover their ears as soon as there is an explosion. When there is a strike, they all huddle in my arms. What is the crime of these innocent children? People are all asking for peace and safety.’
- Rana
Thousands of families in northern Gaza are suffering from malnutrition due to Israel's restrictions. Essentials like vegetables, fruit and medicine are not available. The threat of famine is real, and children, women and the sick are among those suffering the most. This includes the children of Rana.*
Around the world, millions of people are enduring the consequences of conflict and disaster. Together with our partner organizations, we support communities to survive and rebuild their livelihoods.
*Rana shared her story with us in November 2023, so this reflects the situation around that time.
OUR WORK
Partnering with communities in the face of crisis
OUR WORK
Partnering with communities in the face of crisis
The year witnessed the shocking escalation of the Gaza crisis, and intensifying emergencies and conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. New emergencies, driven by climate events, economic and political instability, erupted across Southern and Western Africa.
The year witnessed the shocking escalation of the Gaza crisis, and intensifying emergencies and conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. New emergencies, driven by climate events, economic and political instability, erupted across Southern and Western Africa.
In a world of turmoil, Oxfam remains committed to people facing humanitarian crises. We strive to improve the delivery and accountability of aid as well as to transform the system by shifting power to local partners and communities. Together we help people prepare for, survive and recover from crisis and to establish safer, more resilient communities.
Oxfam adjusts to new challenges and global trends by scaling up technical innovations like the community perception tracker, group cash transfers and best practices in sanitation. Our responses are people-centered: we listen and adapt. This helps to model and learn about alternative partnerships with local actors; like those in in Bangladesh, Puerto Rico, Uganda and Ukraine. Our commitment to feminist principles creates better, safer and more principled humanitarian responses.
In 2023–24 Oxfam supported local actors to shape discussions in critical spaces, such as the Global Refugee Forum and the European Humanitarian Forum. We also drew attention to neglected crises such as the drought in East Africa, and the deteriorating situations in Syria and Yemen.
Oxfam supported 12 million people in humanitarian disasters – a remarkable feat, considering global challenges. The positive trend of increasing Oxfam humanitarian funding to local actors is another achievement that was maintained in 2023–24.
Percentage of Oxfam humanitarian funding transferred to local or national non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations
Methodological note: the above figures are a proxy based on our year-on-year data collection from Oxfam affiliates whose data systems hold c90% of our expenditure data across countries, regions and Oxfam affiliates.
In a world of turmoil, Oxfam remains committed to people facing humanitarian crises. We strive to improve the delivery and accountability of aid as well as to transform the system by shifting power to local partners and communities. Together we help people prepare for, survive and recover from crisis and to establish safer, more resilient communities.
Oxfam adjusts to new challenges and global trends by scaling up technical innovations like the community perception tracker, group cash transfers and best practices in sanitation. Our responses are people-centered: we listen and adapt. This helps to model and learn about alternative partnerships with local actors; like those in in Bangladesh, Puerto Rico, Uganda and Ukraine. Our commitment to feminist principles creates better, safer and more principled humanitarian responses.
In 2023–24 Oxfam supported local actors to shape discussions in critical spaces, such as the Global Refugee Forum and the European Humanitarian Forum. We also drew attention to neglected crises such as the drought in East Africa, and the deteriorating situations in Syria and Yemen.
Oxfam supported 12 million people in humanitarian disasters – a remarkable feat, considering global challenges. The positive trend of increasing Oxfam humanitarian funding to local actors is another achievement that was maintained in 2023–24.
Percentage of Oxfam humanitarian funding transferred to local or national non-governmental organizations or civil society organizations
Methodological note: the above figures are a proxy based on our year-on-year data collection from Oxfam affiliates whose data systems hold c90% of our expenditure data across countries, regions and Oxfam affiliates.
Oxfam’s advocacy on Gaza was another milestone. Together with partners, we led the powerful #CeasefireNOW campaign and produced content in multiple languages.
We continued to draw attention to the impact of Israel’s starvation tactics, forced displacement, attacks on health, aid, water and obstructions imposed by the siege on Gaza; all while calling for urgent action and diplomatic measures needed for a ceasefire.
Oxfam’s advocacy on Gaza was another milestone. Together with partners, we led the powerful #CeasefireNOW campaign and produced content in multiple languages.
We continued to draw attention to the impact of Israel’s starvation tactics, forced displacement, attacks on health, aid, water and obstructions imposed by the siege on Gaza; all while calling for urgent action and diplomatic measures needed for a ceasefire.
In today’s world, humanitarian needs are impacted by the intersecting threats of climate change, conflict, political volatility, shrinking civic space and the erosion of international law. We are confronted by a decline in political attention for those affected by crises, along with severely limited resources.
Oxfam continues to work and advocate for a system that fosters greater engagement by the international community to support the people whose lives and livelihoods are under threat.
We worked with
12.03M
people
This included:
6M
women and girls
3.45M
young people
754,000
people with disabilities
8.15M
people reached with clean water, sanitation and hygiene services
> 1.76M
people reached with support to rebuild their livelihoods
1.15M
people reached with protection services
Certification
Oxfam International has since 2018 been certified for its humanitarian mandate against the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) on Quality and Accountability by the independent auditing body, the Humanitarian Quality Assurance Initiative (HQAI). Our certification objectively demonstrates that we comply with the requirements of the CHS. It means that we put affected populations at the center of our programs, include their feedback and opinions in our work and create programs based on the needs of people. The process to achieve certification has been very helpful, building on our culture of learning and continuous improvement in the way we respond to challenges. We now have a clearer understanding of where systems, policies and practices are strong and effective, and where improvements are needed. Access to our summary audit report is here.
OUR WORK ACROSS THE WORLD
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY (OPT)
ISRAEL’S MILITARY ONSLAUGHT ON GAZA
Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza, in response to the horrific attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023, is the latest and most brutal onslaught of violence against Palestinians in the 57-year-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.
Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza, in response to the horrific attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023, is the latest and most brutal onslaught of violence against Palestinians in the 57-year-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.
Oxfam, and 20 partner organizations, reached hundreds of thousands of people with cash, food, and essential items, restoration of water and sanitation services, and provision of protection to those most at risk. At the global level, Oxfam is helping lead campaigns for a permanent ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access.
Six months into Israel’s war on Gaza, the humanitarian situation was catastrophic. Before October 2023, 80% of Gaza’s population already relied on some form of humanitarian assistance and people lived under severe restrictions. Six months later, around 2 million people were trapped inside Gaza, subjected to terrifying bombardments, hunger, multiple forced displacements, and constant fear.
The task for Oxfam in mounting a full-scale, safe humanitarian response was enormous. Israel has been deliberately and systematically blocking and/or undermining the international humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s government ultimately bears accountability for the breakdown of the international response to the crisis in Gaza. It is failing in its legal responsibilities to the people whose land it occupies and breaking one of the key provisions demanded by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – to boost humanitarian aid, in light of the risk of genocide in Gaza.
While Oxfam and partners remain committed to supporting people in Gaza, an immediate and permanent ceasefire is imperative to help stop further loss of life, deliver the required levels of humanitarian aid and halt the destruction of civic infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, water supply systems and sanitation facilities. Without a ceasefire, it is impossible for humanitarian staff to work safely and help protect the lives of civilians. Oxfam continues to lead campaigns for a permanent ceasefire and for unfettered humanitarian access at the global level.
*Note that figures shown here are those from our first Six Month Accountability Report, published on 13 May 2024.
*Update: Since then, we have published a One Year Accountability Report, which includes increased numbers of those supported.
* Note: Figures across areas are not intended to add up to the total reach figure, as we sometimes reach the same people with different types of assistance.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Palestinian Environmental Friends
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The Palestinian Environmental Friends (PEF) has been working since 2009 to address environmental issues in Gaza, focusing on sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions.
‘Our relationship with Oxfam has been built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared values. From the very start, Oxfam has invested in our growth, helping us build the capacity and resilience needed to navigate complex challenges and achieve meaningful results.
Today, we continue to stand side by side, leveraging our collective strengths to support the people in need and the vulnerable communities we serve. Looking ahead, we envisage an even deeper partnership that not only addresses the immediate needs of the people but also invests in sustainable solutions for a more prosperous and stable future in Gaza. We are confident that, with Oxfam as a strategic ally, we will continue to create lasting change and inspire hope for generations to come.’
PEF has been partnering with Oxfam since then, to provide clean water, improve sanitation infrastructure and promote environmental awareness within local communities. Together, we have worked on both emergency response programs and long-term development projects, making a tangible impact in the region.
Since the start of the escalation on 7 October 2023, Oxfam and PEF have been responding to urgent needs of displaced citizens in the south of Gaza. This included installing five solar-powered desalination units to provide clean water, as well as distributing food parcels, hygiene kits and non-food items, with a focus on bedding essentials.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Palestinian Environmental Friends
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MOHAMMAD AL NAIRAB |
The Palestinian Environmental Friends (PEF) has been working since 2009 to address environmental issues in Gaza, focusing on sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions.
‘‘Our relationship with Oxfam has been built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared values. From the very start, Oxfam has invested in our growth, helping us build the capacity and resilience needed to navigate complex challenges and achieve meaningful results.
Today, we continue to stand side by side, leveraging our collective strengths to support the people in need and the vulnerable communities we serve. Looking ahead, we envisage an even deeper partnership that not only addresses the immediate needs of the people but also invests in sustainable solutions for a more prosperous and stable future in Gaza. We are confident that, with Oxfam as a strategic ally, we will continue to create lasting change and inspire hope for generations to come.’
Mohammad Al Nairab
Executive Director, PEF
PEF has been partnering with Oxfam since then, to provide clean water, improve sanitation infrastructure and promote environmental awareness within local communities. Together, we have worked on both emergency response programs and long-term development projects, making a tangible impact in the region.
Since the start of the escalation on 7 October 2023, Oxfam and PEF have been responding to urgent needs of displaced citizens in the south of Gaza. This included installing five solar-powered desalination units to provide clean water, as well as distributing food parcels, hygiene kits and non-food items, with a focus on bedding essentials.
UKRAINE
COMMUNITIES TAKE THE LEAD
Two years of war have had a devastating impact for people in Ukraine. Uncertainty is a constant part of daily life, and attacks on essential services like water and electricity continue to make even simple tasks difficult.
Two years of war have had a devastating impact for people in Ukraine. Uncertainty is a constant part of daily life, and attacks on essential services like water and electricity continue to make even simple tasks difficult.
There has been strong international support for those affected by the war in Ukraine, but the communities themselves are providing most aid to individuals who need it. Following the escalation of the war, local and national organizations were some of the first on the ground responding to people’s needs, both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries. Two years on, they are still at the forefront of the response.
These organizations have played a vital role and have a deep knowledge of their communities and how to serve them. By working with women-led organizations, women’s rights organizations and groups supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, Roma and other marginalized groups, Oxfam’s humanitarian response has targeted those at risk of being left behind by the international humanitarian response.
Since February 2022, Oxfam has worked with 43 organizations in Ukraine and neighboring countries and reached over two million people.
TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA
AN ONGOING RESPONSE
In 2024 Oxfam published a report on our response to the earthquake that hit southern Türkiye and northern Syria on 6 February 2023. In the quake and aftershocks that followed, over 56,000 people died, and around 10 million were left in urgent need of assistance.
A year on, our response is ongoing.
In 2024 Oxfam published a report on our response to the earthquake that hit southern Türkiye and northern Syria on 6 February 2023. In the quake and aftershocks that followed, over 56,000 people died, and around 10 million were left in urgent need of assistance.
A year on, our response is ongoing.
We worked closely with local partners, the Syrian Society for Social Development and in Türkiye, the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants, the International Blue Crescent and Fikir ve Sanat Atölyesi Dernegi.
Our work in water, sanitation and hygiene includes: repair of municipal water systems and water tanks; installing toilets and showers; distributing hygiene kits, safe water trucking to people living in shelters, training hygiene promoters; giving farming families animal feed and seedlings; repairing bakeries; and working with local government authorities, UN agencies and the private sector in Türkiye to create women and children’s centers for psychological support, childcare and training in income generation.
A year on, we have shifted from providing live-saving aid to a longer-term recovery plan. While the first stage of the response is now largely over, the work to rebuild lives and livelihoods has just begun.
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DIĞDEM YÜCEL
Diğdem Yücel ran 15km for Oxfam in the Istanbul Marathon, one of the biggest fundraising events in Türkiye. She was running to support the women's cooperatives who lost their headquarters and their jobs in the massive earthquake in 2023. She raised TL 41,750 (c1,116 Euros) in the marathon, making the most money for Oxfam in the Istanbul marathon that year.
The funds raised have been allocated to support earthquake-affected women to rebuild their lives through local cooperative initiatives.
Diğdem’s father had died during the early days of the Istanbul Marathon fundraising campaign. She collected donations for Oxfam in his memory, increasing further her generosity towards Oxfam.
She says, ‘My motivation is always being a good person and sharing. My strategy is to be sincere. I strongly believe in the importance of sharing. My aim when collecting donations is to extend a hand to people born into inequality of opportunity. Only if we give and share, can we multiply. I am sure that even if it is a small amount for us, it is very important for the other side. I share my enthusiasm with the people I ask for donations from.’
Funds raised by supporters like Amy are spent globally where we stand the best chance of helping people to create change in their lives. This may include efforts to advance care policies in the Philippines, alongside other activities.
GOKCEN DURATAS
EAST AFRICA
A REGION IN CRISIS
In Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan, people are facing the extremes of climate change, as drought and floods devastate millions of lives. Rising global temperatures have disrupted the climate systems that once brought the rains in predictable patterns. Following drought, the return of the rains now heralds further calamity: rivers burst their banks, turning once-fertile land into swamps and leaving communities stranded.
In Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan, people are facing the extremes of climate change, as drought and floods devastate millions of lives. Rising global temperatures have disrupted the climate systems that once brought the rains in predictable patterns. Following drought, the return of the rains now heralds further calamity: rivers burst their banks, turning once-fertile land into swamps and leaving communities stranded.
Five consecutive failed rainy seasons have created the driest conditions in 40 years in the region; in South Sudan, six consecutive years of flooding have destroyed homes, leaving families displaced.
While farmers and smallholders watched droughts and floods decimate their crops and livestock, the region’s dependence on imports of staple foods had an impact. It meant that global conditions, including inflation and currency depreciation – and the Russia–Ukraine conflict – pushed food prices to unprecedented levels.
Over 39.2 million people in the region were in need of humanitarian assistance. And 35 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan were experiencing crisis-level food insecurity.
Oxfam and partners gave people in the region life-saving support, with clean water and rapid flexible cash assistance for basic goods. We promoted both gender sensitivity and emergency preparedness, helping communities become more resilient to future climate shocks.
In 2023–24, Oxfam reached over 1.7 million people, surpassing our target of 1.2 million. The chart below shows the number of people reached with life-saving support and longer-term support in each country.
TARGET AND PEOPLE REACHED IN THE RESPONSE
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UNCLE FAI
In June 2023 Oxfam’s Rice Event hit the streets, with 47 rice stalls across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Around 1,000 volunteers got involved to help sell rice and spread awareness. Well-known artists Tony Hung and Stefan Wong lent their support, taking a shift on one of the stalls.
The campaign was designed to raise awareness among the public of the impacts of extreme weather and food insecurity on smallholder farmers.
Organizing the rice stall in a sweltering Tai Po was ’Uncle’ (an honorary term in Hong Kong) Fai, who has supported the event since 1995. ‘Except during Covid, I haven’t missed a single rice event in the past 25 years,’ he says. ‘In the beginning, I just knew that Oxfam is an international non-governmental organization committed to alleviating poverty across the world. In recent years, I noticed that Oxfam is increasingly concerned about the poverty in Hong Kong and is working hard to address the problem. I appreciate that very much.’
Oxfam provides comprehensive support to smallholder farmers through technical and disaster resilience training to help them cope with extreme weather and improve their livelihoods. Volunteers raised HK$1.4 million (c165,360 Euros) from the event. The money raised went to carry out Oxfam's work in Hong Kong, Macau, and throughout the world.
VINCENT OGIRA
ETHIOPIA
BRINGING WATER HOME
Before the Tigray and Amhara conflict nearly two years ago, 1.8 million Ethiopians had already been internally displaced due to other conflicts and climate-induced drought.
Before the Tigray and Amhara conflict nearly two years ago, 1.8 million Ethiopians had already been internally displaced due to other conflicts and climate-induced drought.
Following the ceasefire between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray forces in November 2022, a growing humanitarian crisis unfolded in Tigray; millions, especially women and children, are paying the price. The drought, a shortage of seeds and the desert locust invasion which started in late 2023 and persisted to the first weeks of 2024, halved the harvest. Around 9.4 million people – or one in three people in northern Ethiopia – live in extreme hunger.
The vast majority of the Tigrayan population are struggling to meet their primary needs, including water, food and shelter. Schools and hospitals have become makeshift shelters for displaced families affected by conflict and prolonged drought.
Oxfam has been working with partners in Tigray, bringing water closer to communities; people would have otherwise walk over 7km to access the nearest supply. We built and rehabilitated water systems in Raya Azebo and neighboring communities. Over 30,000 people have been given access to water sources closer to their homes.
Oxfam provides health, sanitation and hygiene promotion in the region. We are also providing cash assistance to more than 11,500 women and girls affected by the conflict. Over 1,000 survivors of gender-based violence have accessed hygiene kits, sleeping materials and emergency cash for essentials.
SYRIA
A FORGOTTEN CRISIS
The Syria crisis, now in its thirteenth year, remains one of the world's largest humanitarian disasters, yet it is increasingly overlooked. The conflict has devastated the country economically, with 16.7 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance. This is approximately 9% more than last year. An estimated 90% of people in Syria live in poverty.
The Syria crisis, now in its thirteenth year, remains one of the world's largest humanitarian disasters, yet it is increasingly overlooked. The conflict has devastated the country economically, with 16.7 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance. This is approximately 9% more than last year. An estimated 90% of people in Syria live in poverty.
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, we are responding in eight out of the 14 Syrian governorates, in close collaboration with Syrian organizations. Over the last year, we reached 3,474,534 people with emergency support.
Oxfam has been repairing and enhancing damaged water networks to improve capacity and mitigate pollution. We installed solar panels to increase pumping capacity and rehabilitated wells to ensure that families have enough for their daily needs.
We supported bakeries to resume bread production, ensuring communities have reliable access to this staple food. We distributed cash to people, respecting their ability to prioritize their essential needs. And we provided training, grants and key information to help revitalize small businesses.
As part of our protection work, we distributed winter items so that people would stay warm and safe during harsh winter months, as well as hygiene items for women and girls. And we targeted protection to people with additional needs.
A pivotal part of our response was to create opportunities where Syrians impacted by the conflict could have a say on issues that matter to them.
We are also still responding to the impact of the 2023 earthquake in Syria. Due to the earthquake, we expanded our work into new areas and communities.
This report covers our work in Syria up to 31 March 2024. Since then, we have witnessed country-wide escalations and changes. Our 2024–25 Annual Report we will reflect on how those changes have impacted on our work in Syria.
MIGRATION
SUPPORTING PEOPLE FORCED TO FLEE
At Oxfam we have a long history of engagement with people forced to leave their homes. With partners, we have worked alongside displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the 1960s, those in Lebanon in the 1980s, those in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) in the early 1990s, and people in refugee camps in Pakistan and Kenya in the early 2000s. By the early 2010s we were advocating for rights of those on the move in Liberia, Mali, South Sudan and the Upper Nile. From 2015 this work also increased to support people displaced in Europe.
At Oxfam we have a long history of engagement with people forced to leave their homes. With partners, we have worked alongside displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the 1960s, those in Lebanon in the 1980s, those in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) in the early 1990s, and people in refugee camps in Pakistan and Kenya in the early 2000s. By the early 2010s we were advocating for rights of those on the move in Liberia, Mali, South Sudan and the Upper Nile. From 2015 this work also increased to support people displaced in Europe.
Between 2018 and 2023 we worked to address the needs and rights of people on the move in 70 countries, from Southeast Asia to Africa, Middle East and North Africa to Europe, and Latin America.
Programs addressing access of people on the move to social and economic rights reached 30,793,415 people directly. We reached a further 88,721 people and 2,523 organizations through our advocacy work. The work influenced programs, policies and decision-makers such as local and national government institutions, the United Nations and the business sector. 52% of those we worked with directly, were women and girls; 16.7% were young people. Projects targeting internally displaced people made up about half of our work.
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) was a major focus of Oxfam’s programs. While we focus on addressing immediate needs of people on the move, we are also aware of the need for understanding of conditions affecting migration, and how economic and social change affects mobility across different regions. This is important to ensure more effective protection of the needs and rights of people on the move.
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