The combined effects of conflict and the climate crisis have seen over 100 million people forced to leave their homes worldwide. To respond to this growing global need, Caritas Australia has launched a Displaced People Crisis Appeal. 

Caritas Australia is supporting partners to bring immediate and long-term humanitarian assistance to displaced people across many regions including Ukraine, Sudan, Bangladesh, Türkiye and Syria, Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Support includes access to food and clean water, safe accommodation, and medical and psychosocial support.  

“Often, the most urgent needs for displaced people are the most basic - access to clean drinking water and hygiene facilities, food, emergency shelter, medical assistance, clothing, and cash to purchase necessities,” said Melville Fernandez, Humanitarian Associate Director at Caritas Australia. 

Currently, over eight million people have been displaced within Ukraine and into surrounding countries due to the ongoing conflict. In Sudan, over three million people have been displaced within the country and into surrounding countries due to armed clashes that began in April 2023. 

“The need is great, and it only seems to intensify each year. Being displaced is one of the most traumatic events a person can face. They literally lose everything, and it is particularly difficult for families. Over 43 million of the people displaced are children, so our work to support these vulnerable communities is critical.”  

In the Horn of Africa region, the drought emergency and conflict have left 1.75 million internally displaced in Somalia and Ethiopia alone. 

The human cost is vast. “We had no food or water because of the drought. Our crops failed and our goats died. Our livelihoods are gone. We were hungry and desperate,” said Marian, from Somalia.   

Like so many others, she left her home because she had no other options. She walked across Somalia with her eight-month-old daughter to get to Gedo in southern Somalia, hoping to find more food and water, or at least humanitarian aid. 

“We walked for five days and nights with little food or water to get here,” she said. “We have been here for several weeks, maybe even a month, and still have not been properly registered with the authorities.” 

To support Caritas Australia’s Displaced People Crisis Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au or call 1800 024 413 toll free.   

Link: https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/displaced-people-crisis 

Media: Aline Peres 0472 699 656 / aline.peres@caritas.org.au 

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