The Government today announced a £5.5 million aid package for 41 humanitarian projects in 22 of the world's poorest countries.
The total grant includes £250,000 for survivors of last month's earthquake in Peru and £100,000 to back an International Red Cross programme aimed at coping with future natural disasters in Latin America.
Detailing the move, Minister of State Ms Liz O’Donnell said it marked a new departure by addressing "forgotten and sudden onset emergencies in a pro-active, rather than a reactive manner.
"These grants will have a real and positive impact on the lives of poor people living in developing countries," she said.