Caritas Switzerland providing aid in several acute crises at present
Lucerne/Dubai - Caritas Switzerland is currently actively involved in the crisis regions of Myanmar, South Sudan and Gaza. Wars in these countries are significantly hampering humanitarian efforts. The aid organization will be showing that help is nonetheless possible at the conference on humanitarian aid in Dubai.
Caritas Switzerland is currently proving its ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies swiftly and professionally in three of the most acute crisis regions worldwide: Myanmar, South Sudan and Gaza. «Caritas Switzerland is well prepared to respond to sudden onset emergencies across the world thanks to its wide network of partners and decade-long experience in emergency response,» said Head of Emergency Preparedness, Sarah Buss, in a communication from the aid organization.
That especially the Caritas network is a strength of the organization is being demonstrated in Myanmar at present. Following the devastating earthquake on 28 March 2025, which resulted in at least 3,700 deaths, more than 4.3 million people are in urgent need of clean water and sanitation, according to information from the UN. Infrastructure has been destroyed, and electricity and telecommunications are down. The situation is being escalated by the ongoing civil war, which began in 2021. Despite this, Caritas was reportedly able to start supplying the population with essentials within 48 hours, by collaborating with its local partners like Caritas Myanmar and non-government organizations as well as the wider Caritas network.
In South Sudan, the UN warns of a «humanitarian nightmare in the making», if a political crisis cannot be averted. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the current situation is darkly reminiscent of the conflicts of 2013 and 2016, which cost over 400,000 lives. Since February, the rapid escalation in violence has displaced around 130,000 people. Over 9.3 million people – three-quarters of the population – require humanitarian assistance. According to the statement, «Caritas Switzerland is able to continue implementing its projects thanks to a longstanding presence in the country».
In Gaza, Caritas Switzerland’s partners continue to provide humanitarian aid despite the extremely difficult and dangerous operating context. For example, hygiene kits were distributed to 1,100 people in March owing to the support provided by Caritas Switzerland.
The humanitarian organization will be present at the 21st Dubai International Human Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition. The event will take place in Dubai from 29 April to 1 May 2025.
