Every year, millions of people need humanitarian assistance to survive and recover from disasters and conflicts. However, despite the best of intentions, the response of the different actors who fund and implement humanitarian assistance is not enough. As the principal providers of humanitarian assistance funding, donor governments have the power to make the humanitarian system more effective, and ensure that aid reaches the people who need it most. The Humanitarian Response Index (HRI) provides an independent and objective examination of donor performance with the aim of improving the quality and effectiveness of aid, and promoting greater transparency and accountability of donors as a critical part of the humanitarian system. Based on a rigorous analysis of data from governments and humanitarian agencies, and a survey of hundreds of humanitarian actors directly engaged in providing humanitarian assistance around the globe, the HRI offers a comprehensive overview of how well donors are meeting their own commitments to good practice. DARA (Development Assistance Research Associates) is an independent non-profit organisation, specializing in the evaluation of humanitarian and development assistance. By promoting greater learning, quality and accountability of all stakeholders, our aim is to contribute to the prevention and alleviation of suffering, and the empowerment of people affected by disasters, conflicts, and poverty.