Emergencies

Saving lives, reducing suffering, maintaining dignity

Photo: Jean-Philippe Debus/Catholic Relief Services

Caritas responds to emergencies around the world. We aim to save lives, reduce suffering, and maintain human dignity as we show our solidarity and shared humanity with those who suffer, and meet their basic needs – regardless of ethnicity, religion or nationality.

We respond to needs and requests of our development partners and through the Caritas Internationalis confederation. This consists of 168 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies working in more than 200 countries and teritories. Wherever a disaster occurs, one of our partners will be there, coordinating local people and supplies to provide an effective and efficient response.

Emergencies

Sahel (West Africa) drought

About 15 million people are at risk as the Sahel region in Western Africa faces severe food shortages. Caritas has launched an appeal and pledged $50,000. Action is needed now.

A woman who belongs to a women's farming collective.

Horn of Africa crisis

In 2011 the Horn of Africa had the worst drought in 60 years. Donor support from New Zealand, including the New Zealand government, contributed more than $560,000 to a multi-million dollar international Caritas response to the crisis.

St Anne's Catholic school, Christchurch.

Christchurch quake

Caritas has raised over a million dollars to support vulnerable people following the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. We are using this money to support programmes that help Christchurch people get back on their feet.