News

Independence means remaining human despite circumstances, says the director of Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine
August 24, 2026 News

Independence means remaining human despite circumstances, says the director of Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

On August 24, residents of Ukraine celebrate Independence Day. In the past, it used to be a common public holiday with concerts and a parade in the capital city. However, during wartime, it has become a day that unites people and celebrates the heroism of fallen soldiers and those protecting the country at the front lines. In this interview with Nataly Matskova, the director of Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine, we take a closer look at the meaning of Independence Day in Ukraine as well as Caritas’s work in the country and the current needs of local people.

Airstrikes keep them awake, yet they help others. On World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate their work
August 17, 2026 News

Airstrikes keep them awake, yet they help others. On World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate their work

Humanitarian workers help people overcome the most excruciating life moments, while risking their own lives. In 2003, 22 humanitarian workers were killed in a bombing attack in Baghdad. Every year on 19 August, we commemorate their memory, as well as the work of hundreds of thousands of other humanitarian workers around the world. This year, we prepared short testimonies for you, written by our employees from the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Zambia. Their work supports those who often perceive humanitarian help as their only source of hope.

We are an oil country, and people cannot put oil in their cars, a journalist from Venezuela says
August 14, 2026 News

We are an oil country, and people cannot put oil in their cars, a journalist from Venezuela says

In the first half of the last century, Venezuela began to build its reputation as an oil empire. However, due to corruption and political instability, it gradually turned into a non-democratic country experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. This year, the South American state has caught the attention of global media twice – once in January, when the United States arrested the authoritarian president Nicolás Maduro. Then in June, two strong earthquakes took the lives of more than 6,000 people and homes of nearly 20,000. You can read more about the historical context and the everyday life of people in Venezuela in this article, accompanied by the commentary of local journalist Alejandra Otero.

Taking accountability seriously: Caritas Czech Republic strengthens safe reporting
August 10, 2026 News

Taking accountability seriously: Caritas Czech Republic strengthens safe reporting

Creating a safe, transparent and accountable environment for the people we work with and serve is at the heart of everything we do. However, maintaining that commitment requires continuous efforts, learning and improvement. With this in mind, Caritas Czech Republic has taken another important step to further strengthen its safeguarding and accountability practices.

9 interesting facts about Moldova that will surprise you
August 5, 2026 News

9 interesting facts about Moldova that will surprise you

Moldova is a small country between its big neighbours, Romania and Ukraine. It is seeking to join the European Union and is known for a famous wine-making heritage. At the same time, Moldova is facing a number of internal issues, including a separatist region on the border with Ukraine or the emigration of young people abroad. Let's have a closer look at Moldova together.

El Niño will bring droughts and floods while increasing humanitarian needs
August 3, 2026 News

El Niño will bring droughts and floods while increasing humanitarian needs

Droughts in Australia or heavy rainfall in South America. In the coming months, extreme weather across the globe is expected to be influenced by El Niño, a climate phenomenon that is already gaining strength in the Pacific Ocean. What is El Niño, how does it develop, and why is the whole world concerned about its consequences? Find out in this article.

5 things you should know about the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
July 30, 2026 News

5 things you should know about the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises today, yet it often remains out of the spotlight. In the east of the country, a long-term conflict has been having devastating effects on the civilian population. Here, we present five key facts to help you understand the current situation– from armed combat and the ongoing Ebola epidemic to the support Caritas Czech Republic provides to Congolese refugees in Zambia.

Caritas for Ukraine fundraising campaign will support psychological care
July 29, 2026 News

Caritas for Ukraine fundraising campaign will support psychological care

For the fifth year now, Ukrainians have been facing the consequences of Russia’s aggression, from missile attacks and power outages to damaged infrastructure and disruptions to essential services. Some have been sent to the front lines, others have lost relatives or their homes, while many spend nights rushing to shelters because of the escalating shelling. The war in Ukraine affects everyone – even the ones living near the borders with the European Union. In western Ukraine, we therefore support the psychological care and renovation of the Mental Health Centre for children and youths in Lviv. These activities are funded by the public campaign Caritas for Ukraine.

Invisible crisis and incredible resilience. Caritas's social worker describes the life in Gaza
July 20, 2026 News

Invisible crisis and incredible resilience. Caritas's social worker describes the life in Gaza

The loss of relatives, repeated displacement, lack of food, and never-ending fear. That is what life in Gaza has looked like for months and years. How does the current situation affect the mental health of local people? That is what the social worker of Caritas Czech Republic discusses in this interview. Although she also deals with daily obstacles of living in the Gaza Strip, she helps others manage the psychological burden and find hope again.

Trust is behind the success of Czech development cooperation, says country programme coordinator Filip Tlapa
July 16, 2026 News

Trust is behind the success of Czech development cooperation, says country programme coordinator Filip Tlapa

Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Georgia for more than ten years. Over the past decade, it has built the trust of local communities and institutions, and continues to nurture that trust today. A significant part of its activities focuses on healthcare – from cancer prevention and support for paediatric oncology to the development of mental health care. Filip Tlapa, Programme Coordinator for Ethiopia, Georgia and Moldova, speaks about the challenges, achievements, and ongoing changes within Georgia’s healthcare system.