News

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.

Majed from Syria used to buy expensive water every three days. Today, thanks to Caritas, he has his own supply
January 23, 2026 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Majed from Syria used to buy expensive water every three days. Today, thanks to Caritas, he has his own supply

Until recently, Majed from Syria had to buy expensive water for his entire family every three days. Today, thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, he has his own source of clean water, sufficient both for household needs and for irrigating crops. In collaboration with the organisation Takaful Al-Sham, we put into operation the local pumping station and restored the water supply network. As a result, Majed no longer has to pay for water and can save money instead. 

Caritas Czech Republic's worldwide achievements in 2025
December 19, 2025 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Caritas Czech Republic's worldwide achievements in 2025

The year 2025 brought both good and bad news. While a ceasefire was successfully agreed upon in Gaza in October, the humanitarian situation on site remains critical. People lack drinking water, food, medicine, electricity, and safe shelter. In Ukraine and Syria, people are also grappling with the consequences of long-term conflict. Caritas Czech Republic is working to improve their living conditions. For example, we are providing psychosocial care in Gaza, supporting the development of medical facilities in Ukraine, and restoring access to drinking water in Syria. We are also securing local water sources in Ethiopia, where we are simultaneously focusing on modernising agriculture, thereby enabling local farmers to better manage the impacts of climate change. However, this represents only the tip of the iceberg of our activities around the world. Let us, therefore, recall the greatest successes of Caritas Czech Republic’s work over the past year. 

Christmas ornaments shaped like spiders and their webs, or a camel taking on the role of Santa Claus. What unusual traditions are celebrated in countries where Caritas Czech Republic works?
December 11, 2025 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

Christmas ornaments shaped like spiders and their webs, or a camel taking on the role of Santa Claus. What unusual traditions are celebrated in countries where Caritas Czech Republic works?

In the Czech Republic, our unique Christmas tradition involves a golden pig. According to folklore, if we refrain from eating any food during the day, we will see the golden pig shining on the walls in the evening. This tradition might seem strange to people from abroad. Likewise, people in the Czech Republic may raise their eyebrows at Christmas ornaments shaped like spiders and their webs. Such decorations are customary in Ukraine. Let us introduce ourselves to unusual Christmas traditions from countries where Caritas Czech Republic operates.

High water costs were a heavy burden for Kamal. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, he can now access water both at home and at work
November 27, 2025 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

High water costs were a heavy burden for Kamal. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, he can now access water both at home and at work

It has been fourteen years since the civil war in Syria started. The locals have been facing violence, forced displacement, and severe shortages of essential goods, including food, water, and means of livelihood. Caritas Czech Republic, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, has focused its assistance on the north of the country, near the Turkish-Syrian border. This region was affected by a devastating earthquake in 2023. Following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s administration this summer, the safety situation in the area even worsened. Yet, we are still able to report positive news from Syria. The following story is one of them.