Lina’s family has suffered death, hunger, homelessness and been deprived of basic necessities because of Syria’s civil war. They live in Eastern Ghouta, an area that had endured “the longest running siege in modern history”, the UN said in a recent report. In April 2013, pro-government forces encircled what was then a militant-controlled area bordering Damascus, the capital ...
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
