AID

Aid is assistance, often financial, provided to developing countries by developed countries. A variety of terms are used, including foreign aid (especially in the US), international aid and overseas aid.

Related Topics:
Developing countries - Developed countries - Foreign aid

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Many professional aid organisations ("aid agencies") exist, both within government (e.g. USAID, DFID, ECHO), and as private voluntary organizations (or non-governmental organisations, e.g. Oxfam, Mercy Corps). The International Committee of the Red Cross is unique in being mandated by international treaty to uphold the Geneva Conventions.

Related Topics:
USAID - DFID - ECHO - Private voluntary organization - Non-governmental organisation - Oxfam - Mercy Corps - International Committee of the Red Cross - Geneva Conventions

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Aid can be subdivided into two categories: humanitarian aid (emergency relief efforts, eg in response to natural disasters), and development aid, aimed at helping countries to achieve long-term sustainable economic growth, with the aim of achieving poverty reduction. Some aid agencies carry out both kinds of aid, whilst others specialise (eg Red Cross, humanitarian aid; ActionAid, development aid).

Related Topics:
Humanitarian aid - Development aid - Economic growth - Poverty reduction - Aid agencies - Red Cross

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