Sweden announces more than SEK 2.7 billion in humanitarian assistance to the world’s most vulnerable

“Millions of people are in urgent need of assistance. This is why Sweden is today announcing more than SEK 2.7 billion in humanitarian assistance. We live in a troubled world with immense needs, and forecasts indicate that these needs may increase even further this year. It’s extremely important that Swedish humanitarian assistance is distributed in a rapid, targeted and effective manner. These contributions help ensure that a mother fleeing the war in famine-afflicted Sudan can give her children food, for example, and give a family with three children fleeing their home in Lebanon a roof over their heads. Swedish support will save lives and give dignity to some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

This initial allocation by Sida totals more than SEK 2.7 billion and corresponds to 60 per cent of Sida’s total humanitarian appropriations for 2026, totalling around SEK 4.5 billion. The vast majority of these funds – almost SEK 2.4 billion – will be distributed among the 25 most acute crises in the world, based on a thorough analysis of where the need is greatest.

“We are disbursing this considerable and crucial support early in the year in order to give our partners the best chance of saving lives and alleviating suffering. The funds will go to established organisations that we know are capable of operating effectively and professionally in difficult environments and of ensuring that our funding has an immediate impact,” says Hanna Hellquist, acting Director-General of Sida.

The allocation also includes SEK 170 million for a special mechanism to allow humanitarian partners rapid access to flexible financing, enabling them to act in the event of sudden crises. In 2026, the mechanism has already been used to finance initiatives in Lebanon and Iran, for example. SEK 190 million will go to central system support functions to help ensure a functioning and effective humanitarian system, including the UN Humanitarian Air Service. A special allocation of SEK 5 million will also be made to Cuba via the World Food Programme.

In June 2025, the Government adopted a new strategy for humanitarian assistance channelled through Sida (2025–2029). The strategy has a clear focus on the humanitarian core mandate of saving lives and alleviating suffering, and on strengthening effectiveness in the implementation of humanitarian assistance. The strategy encourages new partnerships for rapid, effective and targeted humanitarian initiatives.