Caritas Lent appeal starts amid rising need, shrinking resources

Communities across the Pacific, Southeast Asia and conflict-affected regions are facing mounting pressure from climate change, violence and economic instability, Caritas said.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Mena Antonio said this year’s six-week appeal comes at a difficult moment.

“We are seeing unprecedented hardship in many parts of the world,” she said. “Climate pressures are deepening poverty in our own Pacific neighbourhood, while unprecedented humanitarian crises and displacement continue elsewhere.

“At the same time, funding for international aid has fallen. All of this creates a real gap for communities already under strain.”

Funds raised through the Lent Appeal support Caritas’ work with trusted local partners. Caritas provides improved food and water access, climate-resilient farming and other livelihood support to communities across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

In the last year, it has also been called upon to respond to emergencies, such as the war in Gaza, the conflict in Ukraine, the Rohingya refugee emergency in Bangladesh, the Myanmar earthquake and the displacement caused by clashes on the Thai/Cambodian border.

Caritas helps about 620,000 people a year.

Last year also saw the US government gut USAID, which triggered a raft of cuts across the sector from other donor nations. These cuts are expected to affect humanitarian operations globally, including programmes supporting food security, protection and livelihoods.

Ms Antonio said Lent is a time when faith is expressed through practical solidarity.

“We walk with communities before, during and after emergencies,” she said. “When people give this Lent, they are helping families stay safe and build a future in very difficult circumstances.”

A central focus of this year’s appeal highlights protection work with Rohingya refugee families in Bangladesh. More than 1.3 million Rohingya people remain confined to camps with limited rights and ongoing risks of violence, trafficking and exploitation. Caritas-supported community volunteers provide counselling, case work and referrals to safety for women and children facing abuse.

One Rohingya mother supported through the programme said access to a trained Caritas volunteer changed her situation after she fled violence in Myanmar.

The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference has endorsed the appeal.

Donations to the Lent Appeal can be made online at caritas.org.nz/lent.

FULL STORY

Lent appeal commences amid rising global need & shrinking resources (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)

Ayesha’s Journey to Safety in Cox’s Bazar (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)