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Donate NowEmergency Update - January 2025
Gaza
A temporary ceasefire commenced on January 19, 2025 and will last for an initial period of 42 days. During this time, hostages will be returned, and a surge of humanitarian aid will be allowed into the Gaza strip.
Over 46,000 people have been killed with thousands missing and over 100,000 people injured. Two-thirds of all buildings in Gaza have been destroyed, leaving an estimated 40 million tons of rubble that could take over a decade to clear.
We continue to work with our partners in Gaza to bring food, shelter, clean water, hygiene and sanitation support, and essential items like bedding to vulnerable communities.
Sudan
Sudan is suffering through the worst hunger and displacement crisis in the world and the population are facing an unimaginable amount of suffering. In January, the US government formally declared its belief that the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are committing genocide.
Famine, already declared in a displaced peoples camp in North Darfur, has now spread to additional camps in the area.
A cholera outbreak is affecting thousands around the country. To date, there have been 5,000 reported cases in an area Caritas partners are running projects in White Nile State.
We are working with our partners to deliver protection services for those in need, as well as water, sanitation and health services, and multi-purpose cash assistance.Â
Ukraine
February 24 will mark the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. September 2024 saw the highest amount of civilian casualties in Ukraine since July 2022, reflecting a disturbing trend of increased civilian casualties. Between September and November of 2024, there were 574 civilian deaths and over 3,000 injured.
Hostilities continue to drive displacement. Over 6 million people have fled the country, and over 3 million remain displaced within Ukraine.
We are working with our partners to bring emergency shelter to displaced communities, access to clean water, hygiene support services, and assistance with daily essentials.
Caritas is a world leader in emergency responses
Earthquakes, floods, famine, conflict, droughts, storms can strike anywhere, anytime, and impact the poor and vulnerable hardest. Donating to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Appeal and Emergency Appeals ensures your money gets to those who need it most, as fast as possible.
We coordinate with the international Caritas network and our partners on the ground to bring emergency relief in the form of food, clean water, emergency shelter, hygiene kits and cash assistance. We share our resources and technical expertise to help communities receive long-term support to recover and rebuild stronger.
Gaza Crisis
A Caritas worker walks through the destruction in Gaza. Photo: Caritas Jerusalem
Ukraine Crisis
A Caritas worker making firewood deliveries as part of winterisation efforts in Ukraine in 2024. Photo Credit: Caritas Wien, Elisabeth Sellmeier.
Lebanon Appeal
The Caritas Network is on the ground responding to emergency needs in Beirut. Photo: Caritas Lebanon
Vanuatu Earthquakes
Destroyed buildings in Port Vila with emergency vehicles on the scene, photo credit YTS News.
Africa Food Crisis
Children in a IDP Camp in northern Ethiopia. Photo: Caritas Australia.
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Emergency Action Alliance
Caritas Australia is a founding member of the Emergency Action Alliance. By combining our capacity with 15 other leading humanitarian organisations we can turn the care and passion of our supporters into a targeted response to international emergencies. This allows us to help more people in their greatest moment of need.
Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CANDO)
Caritas Australia is a member of the Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) consortium, a group of eight Australia-based humanitarian church agencies that work together to build the resilience of communities, strengthen the capacity of local partners, and enhance our ability as agencies to respond to disasters, especially in the Pacific. The members of the CAN DO consortium are Caritas Australia, the Australian Lutheran World Service, Act for Peace, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia, Anglican Board of Mission, Anglican Overseas Aid, Transform Aid International (TAI) and UnitingWorld.
As a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Caritas Australia is committed and fully adhere to the ACFID Code of Conduct, conducting our work with transparency, accountability and integrity. Find out more about ACFID Code of Conduct for Emergency Appeals.
