On World Humanitarian Day, Caritas Internationalis celebrates its ‘Local Heroes’ and reports on the aggravation of the global humanitarian situation.
On World Humanitarian Day, the day dedicated to humanitarian workers which occurs on 19 August, Caritas Internationalis thanks its Confederation’s humanitarian workers, who, in 200 countries and territories, protect and promote human dignity and serve, accompany and defend the poor and most vulnerable. A campaign entitled “Our Local Heroes” is currently being promoted on the www.caritas.org website and on Caritas’s social media channels.
“Caritas staff are always there, everywhere in the world, at every moment: before, during, and after the crises,” says Aloysius John, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis. “They are both alongside and part of the communities, providing not only humanitarian relief, but also working for sustainable development, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. They offer their services, and even their lives, for the cause of the human person”.
On this day, Caritas Internationalis also denounces the tragic worsening of the humanitarian situation at the global level, which is resulting in the suffering of millions of people.
The war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequences of climate change have had a global impact and led to a series of major humanitarian crises originating from several interconnected factors.
Many countries are on the brink of a major food crisis aggravated by poor economic conditions, making the poorest and the most vulnerable dependent on humanitarian aid. “The Ukrainian crisis has brought to evidence that food has become a political weapon, as access to adequate nutrition is at stake for millions of people. The worst affected are the poorest who are deprived of access to the most basic needs, which leads to further serious health risks,” adds John. At the same time, extreme climate-related events, violence and conflict have created new forms of vulnerability, and millions are leaving their homes in order to save their own lives. In addition to the recent crises, there are others which have been ongoing for years, or even decades, such as those in Syria, Venezuela, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A confederation of 162 members in 200 countries and territories, Caritas Internationalis is witnessing a global and unprecedented food crisis which is particularly severe in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions, where millions of people are affected by acute food insecurity and malnutrition. It also alerts us to the fact that if necessary measures are not taken very soon, the global humanitarian situation is likely to continue to worsen.
“Today, our world is facing a human tragedy wherein people are losing their right to live as dignified human beings,” says Aloysius John. “We echo and support Pope Francis’ incessant cry to support integral ecology as a solution to the humanitarian crisis our world is facing. This is the only way out of this crisis”.
Therefore, on World Humanitarian Day 2022, Caritas Internationalis urges decision makers to listen to the voices of the poorest and put their aspirations for a dignified life at the centre of all political decisions. In particular, sustainable actions to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, one of the primary root factors causes of humanitarian crises, must be considered a priority to be urgently implemented. In addition, work to promote peace and reconciliation at the community level must be supported.
“We hope that this World Humanitarian Day will present all people with an opportunity to address the issue of fundamental human rights through appropriate actions. Universal solidarity and commitment to the human cause with supportive political will is the only way to reduce the incalculable human suffering of the most vulnerable,” concludes John.