ABSTRACT
Humanitarian assistance has historically concentrated on getting aid to victims as soon as possible to meet their basic needs, such as food, water, shelter and medical care, after a disaster or during times of war and conflict. Meeting basic needs remains a primary focus of many aid organizations. However, some are thinking beyond the immediate and recognizing the cultural impact of disasters and its long-term effects on people’s ability to recover from emergencies and, in turn, the need to integrate the protection of cultural heritage into humanitarian aid efforts.
