News

7 things you should know about the war in Gaza
March 30, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

7 things you should know about the war in Gaza

The devastating war in Gaza has been ongoing since October 2023. It has left behind an indescribable level of destruction and suffering and has had an unprecedented impact on the civilian population there. The bombing and fighting in this enclosed strip of land have caused one of the greatest humanitarian disasters of our time, which continues despite the ceasefire from October 2025. What is the situation on the ground? What is behind the conflict?

They seek a better life in Zambia. Caritas helps them study at university
April 30, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

They seek a better life in Zambia. Caritas helps them study at university

Seth was born in a refugee camp in Zambia. His parents come from Rwanda. Therefore, in his childhood, he faced challenges his Zambian peers did not. When he grew up, he decided to study at university and applied for the DAFI Scholarship Programme, which Caritas Czech Republic, together with partners, has been implementing in the country since 2019. This way, we enable access to higher education for refugees living in settlements and urban areas, including Lusaka. The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends, as well as mentoring and career guidance. Seth became one of 141 refugees who have received our support so far, and were able to study their desired field. These are their stories.

Ceasefire is not enough: War continues to threaten civilians, not only in Lebanon
April 27, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Ceasefire is not enough: War continues to threaten civilians, not only in Lebanon

A regional conflict that began at the end of February 2026 with an attack on Iran and soon spread to other countries has not stopped despite the announced ceasefire. The situation remains uncertain. In Lebanon, political leaders have advised internally displaced persons not to return home, which represents an opposite approach to the one they took during the conflict in 2024. In the country, almost one-fifth of the population has been forced to leave their homes, and more than one million people remain displaced. Caritas Czech Republic supports them through cooperation with Caritas Lebanon. 

Story from Gaza: She was dependent on help from her family. Now, she dreams of walking on her own
April 22, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Story from Gaza: She was dependent on help from her family. Now, she dreams of walking on her own

As a little girl, Rafah learned what it felt like not to have her own freedom. She was born with cerebral palsy and a foot disability. As a result, she was unable to move without her family’s help. Her mother had to carry her everywhere, and Rafah could not play with her peers. With the beginning of the war in Gaza, her family was displaced to a refugee centre, where she received support from Caritas Czech Republic. Our social worker provided her with psychosocial assistance and arranged for her to receive a wheelchair, so she could become more independent. This story, with a happy ending, is about a girl who did not lose her brave spirit despite war or health difficulties.

At 14, Rana from Syria plans to become a doctor. She was encouraged by a programme supporting girls and women
April 15, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

At 14, Rana from Syria plans to become a doctor. She was encouraged by a programme supporting girls and women

Rana was born at the beginning of the civil war in Syria. When she was just a few months old, she had to flee her hometown of Hayan in Aleppo with her parents and four older siblings. For a long time, they searched for a safe shelter. They moved from villages to towns and faced many difficulties. Eventually, they settled in the village of Kaljibrin in the countryside of Aleppo. But even there, they did not find the stability so necessary for young Rana. Hope arrived thanks to the programme supporting girls and women in Syria, implemented with assistance from Caritas Czech Republic. Rana began attending the sessions regularly and, gradually, she gained confidence and great ambitions for her future.

Cost of global conflicts: How wars impact the lives of civilians and the world around us
April 9, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Cost of global conflicts: How wars impact the lives of civilians and the world around us

Whether we talk about the deepening refugee crisis or the rise in global prices of oil and fuel, the current battles in the Middle East and other parts of the world show that conflicts do not stay within borders and their consequences are felt all around the globe. Wars affect civilians, the economy, the environment, and health systems. Moreover, the concerning news about international security and the suffering of innocent civilians worsens the well-being of many of us. Therefore, at the end of this article, you can read our advice on how to protect yourself from the constant waves of bad news

Millions of people on the run in the Middle East – Caritas Czech Republic responds
March 23, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Millions of people on the run in the Middle East – Caritas Czech Republic responds

Since the beginning of March, the situation in the Middle East has continued to worsen significantly. Attacks and increasing insecurity have forced over 4 million people to flee their homes. Caritas Czech Republic is part of the global Caritas network, which supports people in crises and natural disasters. Therefore, we are taking action to provide immediate help. We are allocating 10,000 euros from the Three Kings Collection crisis fund to support Caritas Lebanon. Our sister organisation has operated in the country for a long time and understands local conditions well. If you wish to assist those who have lost their homes in a matter of days, you may contribute to the Caritas for the Middle East fundraising campaign. 

In one minute, they lost everything – the stories of people from eastern Ukraine
March 18, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

In one minute, they lost everything – the stories of people from eastern Ukraine

Humanitarian aid can be measured in food packages, litres of water, or tons of firewood. But behind those figures, real people’s stories are hidden  stories of those from Eastern Ukraine who, like us today, once owned houses, worked, and raised children. In 2022, they lost everything in a matter of minutes. Many decided to leave their hometowns and move to the relative safety of western Ukraine, such as Ivano-Frankivsk. One of them was Iryna: “People came here with small suitcases. They packed their entire lives into one bag. They constantly follow the news from home. They live in hope of returning, no matter what.” These are their stories. 

Caritas Czech Republic transforms Moldovan schools into a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment
March 13, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Caritas Czech Republic transforms Moldovan schools into a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment

In the Moldovan countryside, people often face problems stemming from outdated infrastructure and limited access to clean water. An uneasy situation is reflected in the local educational system as well, because it is difficult to set hygiene and sanitary standards under such conditions. Therefore, Caritas Czech Republic improves them and also organises awareness-raising programmes for parents and teachers, so they can subsequently educate their children and students. These activities in Moldova are supported by the European Union and the Czech Development Agency. 

One year after the war - 7 things you should know about the situation in Syria
March 10, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

One year after the war - 7 things you should know about the situation in Syria

It has been 15 years since the war in Syria began — a conflict that became one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time. Although the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 brought hope for a better future for many Syrians, it also introduced new challenges. Why was Syria at war for so long? In what condition is Syria now, following the rise of the new government of Ahmad Shara? And what else should you know about the current situation in Syria?