The purpose of humanitarian aid is to save the lives, health and fulfil the basic needs of people who have been affected by a natural disaster or war, or who suffer from instability in their country. At the same time, we provides victims of disasters with psychological and material support and help them to cut loose.

Humanitarian aid is most often needed in crisis caused by war or natural disasters, such as floods, extreme droughts or earthquakes. We have been involved in helping people affected by the wars in Iraq, Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh, working with refugees in Zambia, but also providing assistance to victims of the Beirut Lebanon explosion or extreme frosts in Mongolia.

Although we emphasize development cooperation in our work, we are aware that humanitarian aid is absolutely essential in the event of disasters and war conflicts. We provide assistance to their victims, especially in the following areas.

Food Aid

The provision of basic primary foodstuffs is crucial immediately after a humanitarian catastrophe. In addition to traditional food distribution, we have also been involved in supporting school meals in Iraq, which aims to return children from poor families to schools.

Water, Hygiene and Sanitation

Access to drinking water and adequate hygiene and sanitation are essential to prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases and humanitarian disasters.

Providing Shelter and Restoration of Housing

The first step after the disaster is to provide temporary shelter in the area of housing, but very soon the damaged homes are being restored to allow the return of the affected residents to their homes as soon as possible.

Psychosocial Support

Any disaster, especially if it is associated with the loss of health, life, one's own home or violence, is psychologically very demanding. We therefore provide psychological care for victims, among other things.

Healthcare and Drug Distribution

The provision of health care and the distribution of drugs are an essential component of humanitarian aid.

Iraq

Iraq's recent history has been strongly influenced by armed conflict, sectarian violence and the volatile political situation.

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Ukraine

Since 2014, Caritas has been providing humanitarian aid to people affected by the conflict in the east of the country. In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, we have significantly expanded our humanitarian activities in the country to help people affected by the war. 

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Syria

We are currently mainly repairing war-torn houses in the Idlib province in northern Syria.

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May 27, 2022 News

Caritas will provide psychological support and basic needs to war-affected people in Lviv region

The war in Ukraine has already displaced more than 14 million people from their homes, not only across the country's borders but also to other places in Ukraine. People who have lost their homes often face psychological problems. Caritas Czech Republic will provide internally displaced people in Lviv region not only with the basic necessities of life, but also with access to psychosocial care, which is much needed in times of war.

May 16, 2022 News

80 people per toilet? Caritas to secure better conditions for displaced Ukrainians in Transcarpathia

The war in Ukraine forced more than 12 million people out of their homes. A large number of them found refuge in the western parts of the country. One of the regions where people fleeing the war have headed is the Transcarpathian region. It currently hosts up to 400,000 internally displaced Ukrainians. Many of them are living in completely unsatisfactory conditions. Caritas Czech Republic is launching a project to improve sanitary facilities in accommodation centres and to ensure the construction of modular units. These will provide accommodation for the most vulnerable groups of displaced people.

May 2, 2022 News

Humanitarian aid for 1500 displaced Ukrainians. Caritas Czech Republic has launched new project

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has already displaced more than 11 million people from their homes. Most of them left to the country's western regions, including Drohobych and its surroundings, which is hosting more than 40,000 displaced Ukrainians. The local Caritas branch provides them with assistance, but many people remain outside the official support. Caritas Czech Republic will improve the access to health care and provide immediate basic needs to 1500 displaced Ukrainians within the Drohobych region.

April 28, 2022 CCR-Moldova

The impact of refugees on Moldova and the humanitarian aid provided by Caritas Czech Republic

Starting with February 24, 2022, Ukraine's civilian population has been forced to flee their country. Since then, millions of people have been displaced within Ukraine or in neighbouring countries. Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and the Republic of Moldova have become the main host countries for the Ukrainian people. Although Moldova is Ukraine's smallest neighbour and has the fewest economic resources, it has received the most refugees per capita so far. How is the country coping with the current situation and how is Caritas Czech Republic helping refugees in Moldova?