To save lives in conflict

3. Providing Essential Goods

This activity involves distributing essential supplies—such as water, food, clothing, and hygiene products—to people who struggle to access basic necessities due to conflict.

Distributing essential goods is a critical activity that helps rebuild the foundation of people’s lives disrupted by conflict. In many cases, food aid consists of canned or dried foods that can be stored for long periods. In addition, access to safe drinking water is vital not only for maintaining good health but also for ensuring a clean and hygienic environment within communities. To help prevent infectious diseases, we provide hygiene products such as soap and sanitary supplies, while also ensuring access to safe water by distributing water purifiers and tanks. In cold regions, winter clothing and blankets are distributed to prevent people’s health from deteriorating. Additionally, in recent years, when a stable supply of goods is maintained in disaster-affected areas, support is also provided through cash assistance. This includes distributing cards to disaster victims, enabling them to purchase and obtain necessary goods at their own discretion.

In the distribution of essential goods, it is crucial to understand local needs and develop a distribution plan suited to on-the-ground conditions. For this reason, local Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, who are well-acquainted with community needs, play a vital role. Involving volunteers in support activities, along with allowing victims to make their own purchasing decisions with cash assistance, has been shown to positively impact both community recovery and the psychological well-being of victims. This community-led approach to support efforts is known as “localization” and is becoming increasingly important for sustainable humanitarian aid.