“Our cities, homes and kindergartens have been destroyed. But no one will not succeed in destroying our aspirations for peace and freedom”, says Fr Vyacheslav Grynevych, Executive Director of Caritas-Spes Ukraine, in a video appeal launched yesterday, 26 February, through Caritas Internationalis. Caritas-Spes is one of two Ukrainian member organisations of the Confederation – the ...
An emergency can strike at any time, overwhelming the most vulnerable people and leaving them with nothing.
But there is Caritas, the helping arm of the Catholic Church. Caritas acts fast to save lives and livelihoods in emergencies.
Caritas has a unique worldwide network of more than 160 member organisations with the experience and skills to respond efficiently and effectively. Its strong roots – put down over decades – means Caritas is there both before the emergency and afterwards.
Caritas also looks to the future, investing in its emergency preparedness and response skills to face emergencies like floods or droughts. It is energetically focused on disaster risk reduction – which means taking steps to lessen the harm done by repeated natural disasters in the same country or area.
Caritas also forges dialogue to prevent the conflicts which cause suffering and loss and works to transform active conflicts into peaceful settlements.
No more will violence be heard in your land, despoiling or breakdown within your boundaries. – (Isaiah 60:18)
Caritas updates on Conflicts & Disasters

Caritas Internationalis insists on ensuring protection and access to humanitarian assistance “The events which began early this morning will inevitably lead to a colossal humanitarian catastrophe. It is impossible to believe that in the 21st century in the centre of Europe people have to wake up at 5 am from explosions and the sound of ...

In the last months, with the build-up of Russian troops on the border of Ukraine, the press has been reporting on the immediate threat of a potential military attack. “We have all witnessed high-level meetings between officials in attempts to de-escalate the situation and return to a path of diplomacy,” Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas ...

In the last months, with the build-up of Russian troops on the border of Ukraine, the press has been reporting on the immediate threat of a potential military attack. “We have all witnessed high-level meetings between officials in attempts to de-escalate the situation and return to a path of diplomacy,” Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas ...

Caritas is already delivering aid to the population of Tonga, an island in the South Pacific that was hit on Saturday, 15 January by a tsunami with waves of up to 15 metres. The tsunami was triggered by the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai underwater volcano, estimated to be the most violent on the planet ...

Afghanistan is undergoing the worst humanitarian crisis of our days. Two decades of protracted war and violence, the impact of climate change and the effect of Covid-19 compounded by today’s political turmoil and chaos has rendered the Afghan population into one of the worst humanitarian situations leading to a major humanitarian crisis. Today, millions of ...

On the occasion of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, opening today, 31 October, in Glasgow, Caritas Internationalis asks governments to adopt policies that ensure environmental care and social justice. The Confederation’s 162 Caritas members – some of whom will be present at COP26 – operate around the world and are at the forefront ...

On the occasion of the G20 Summit, scheduled for 30th and 31st October in Rome, Caritas Internationalis is calling to accelerate global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not enough has been done until now, and a stronger political will is yet needed. Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Aloysius John reaffirms that “turning promises made on vaccines ...

Faced with humanitarian emergency, Caritas MONA is launching an extreme emergency appeal addressing the Lebanese Government, as well as the UN, the Holy See and international governments and organisations.

INSECURITY IN THE COUNTRY IS FURTHER COMPLICATING EMERGENCY OPERATIONS. After the dramatic earthquake that hit the country yesterday, 14/08/2021, at 8.30 am local time, Caritas Haiti has already mobilised its teams to reach the most affected areas, which are the departments of Grande-Anse (Diocese of Jérémie), Sud (Diocese of Les Cayes) and Nippes (Diocese of ...
Recent Emergencies
How Caritas works in Conflicts and Disasters
Caritas responds to emergencies across the globe, leads peacebuilding efforts in violence-ridden areas and helps local organisations prepare for potential disasters of all kinds. Learn more.