Since the 1990-1991 biennium, UNESCO has granted emergency assistance through the Participation Programme to its Member States by providing aid in its field of competence.
The idea of emergency assistance was dealt with for the first time in 25 C/Resolution 15.3, paragraph 7, adopted by the General Conference at its 25th session (November 1980). That resolution, while listing the various forms of participation, stipulates that emergency assistance may be provided by applying “adequately flexible and expeditious procedures, for meeting exceptional situations ...” in the Organization’s fields of competence.
Emergency assistance may be accorded by UNESCO when there are insurmountable circumstances nationwide (earthquakes, storms, cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons, landslides, volcanic eruptions, fires, droughts, floods or wars, etc.) which have catastrophic consequences for the Member State in the fields of education, science, culture or communication and which it cannot overcome on its own and where multilateral emergency assistance efforts are being undertaken by the international community or the United Nations system.
The assistance only begins once the threat to life has been overcome and the physical priorities have been met (food, clothing, shelter and medical assistance).
Emergency assistance in cash or kind cannot exceed US$50,000 and should be limited to the strict minimum and only provided for assessing the situation and evaluating the basic requirements, providing expertise and helping to identify outside funding sources and extrabudgetary funds. This form of assistance is provided in coordination with other UN agencies.