The Scottish Government has awarded £200,000 to the Start Network, an international aid alliance, to strengthen its rapid humanitarian response efforts in crises around the world. The funding is aimed at helping the network respond quickly to emergencies, particularly smaller and medium-scale crises that often receive limited global attention.
The Start Network, which brings together more than 145 non-governmental organisations, plays a vital role in delivering urgent support during the early stages of humanitarian emergencies. Its work ensures that vulnerable communities receive timely assistance instead of being left waiting while longer-term interventions are developed.
Through its rapid response approach, the network has already supported millions of people affected by crises worldwide. This includes providing assistance to people displaced by conflict in countries such as Ethiopia and Colombia, as well as helping communities impacted by the measles outbreak in Chad.
Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the funding is especially important for crises that do not make international headlines. He emphasised that the support will improve the Start Network’s ability to act quickly in overlooked emergencies and reflects the Scottish Government’s strong commitment to localisation by backing frontline organisations that are best placed to respond early and save lives.
He also reaffirmed that, despite concerns over the UK Government’s cuts to Overseas Development Aid, the Scottish Government remains firmly committed to international development and is proud of Scotland’s role in supporting global humanitarian action.
Start Network’s Business Development Director, Ira Paredes, welcomed the funding and thanked the Scottish Government for contributing to the Global Start Fund, one of the network’s key pooled funding mechanisms. She highlighted that the new partnership will help strengthen emergency response systems and advance locally led humanitarian action.
