What does “do no harm” mean in humanitarian aid?
“Do no harm” is an approach that asks whether an intervention could unintentionally increase risk, conflict, exclusion, dependency, or other negative effects.
What the figure or term means
In Afghanistan it can shape beneficiary selection, photography, water-point location, market purchases, and public reporting.
Publishing a precise address could expose a vulnerable family even when the aid itself was useful.
The phrase is not a substitute for a documented risk assessment and safeguarding process.
When the term affects eligibility, safety, funding, or program design, check the complete cited standard rather than relying on a short definition.
How to use this information responsibly
Humanitarian terms are useful only when their technical meaning is preserved. These explainers translate common language without replacing the source standards used by professional responders.
Organizations may apply a term under a specific policy, assessment framework, or program design. Read the cited standard before using a glossary page for an operational decision.
Check the underlying information.
Editorial standard: This page is reviewed by a person, sourced to Famidi records or authoritative references, and revised when the program or underlying guidance changes. It does not replace legal, tax, medical, or financial advice.