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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?

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?

Worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Caritas Czech Republic is ready to respond
March 9, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Caritas Czech Republic is ready to respond

The security situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate. Millions of local residents live in uncertainty and danger; they face forced displacement and lack basic necessities. Caritas Czech Republic operates in Syria and Gaza, where we monitor developments. Previously, we helped address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, in collaboration with Caritas Lebanon. We remain in contact with our sister organisation and are prepared to respond if needed. At the same time, as a humanitarian organisation, we urge all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to de-escalate immediately and to protect all civilians without exception.

Inspiring stories of women who refused to give up
March 7, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Inspiring stories of women who refused to give up

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the quiet strength and perseverance with which women support their families, communities, and even the entire world every single day. According to UN Women data from 2025, as many as 676 million women live close to armed conflict, and 376 million women and girls survive in extreme poverty below the threshold of 2.15 dollars per day, which is roughly 45 Czech crowns. Additionally, 1.8 billion people still lack access to drinking water at home, and women are responsible for its availibility in two out of three households. This year, Caritas Czech Republic aims to highlight the stories of those who, despite uncertainty and adversity, have found ways to help others – their families, neighbours, communities, and fellow women.

The bombing blew out windows and doors. The shelter's residents in Kryvyi Rih found comfort with Caritas Czech Republic
March 6, 2026 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

The bombing blew out windows and doors. The shelter's residents in Kryvyi Rih found comfort with Caritas Czech Republic

On the eve of winter, damp and cold prevailed in the rooms of the Polytechnic College dormitory in the frontline town of Kryvyi Rih. A drone attack damaged the windows of the building, sheltering more than 120 evacuees from the combat zone. Most of them are single elderly people and people with disabilities. As part of a life-saving aid project, we replaced the windows so that the shelter's residents could stay warm.