Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid (COHAFA)
The Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid prepares the Council's work on the EU's humanitarian action and coordinates the EU response to humanitarian crises.
Role
The Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid (COHAFA) discusses the EU's humanitarian strategies and policies and its response to humanitarian crises. Its work is guided by the European consensus on humanitarian aid, the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and international humanitarian law.
The working party discusses issues related to humanitarian assistance, such as:
- monitoring humanitarian needs around the world and the EU's response
- the efficiency of the global humanitarian system
- preparing EU statements in relevant international organisations and fora
- promoting the European consensus on humanitarian aid, humanitarian principles and respect for international humanitarian law
Composition and meetings
The COHAFA working party is composed of humanitarian experts from EU member states and regularly invites guest speakers, such as representatives of the UN agencies, international organisations, and relevant NGOs. It usually meets once a month.
The working party was established in 2008, following the signing of the European consensus on humanitarian aid in 2007.
Last review: 7 April 2026