Which principle emphasizes providing aid based solely on need?

The principle that emphasizes providing aid based solely on need is impartiality. This principle underscores the importance of distributing aid without favoritism or discrimination, ensuring that assistance is given based on the severity of need regardless of a person's race, religion, nationality, or political opinions. Impartiality is fundamental in humanitarian efforts, as it maintains fairness and helps establish trust between aid providers and the affected communities.

Impartiality serves to prioritize those who are most in need, thereby optimizing the impact of humanitarian assistance and ensuring that resources are allocated where they will be most effective. In practice, this means that organizations assess needs objectively and respond to crises without prejudice, which is crucial in humanitarian settings characterized by diverse populations and complex situations.