This paper provides a broad and selective overview of the humanitarian system, and trends and issues relating to humanitarian responses to natural disasters.1 Key issues covered include: • Humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence are the key underlying principles of humanitarian action; • Natural disasters aren’t straightforwardly ‘natural’ – their natural and human dimensions are inextricably linked; • While natural hazards often trigger disasters, disasters result from human vulnerability rather than simply from hazard events per se; • Vulnerability to natural disaster is determined by social, economic, political and environmental variables; • Effective development processes are critical to prevent and mitigate natural disasters therefore collaboration between humanitarian and development actors is essential; and, • The response mechanisms used by the humanitarian community have at times been inappropriate or insufficient. There is currently significant reform of the humanitarian system underway.