The Johanniter-Auslandshilfe: A global answer to increasing violence and need in crisis regions

The Johanniter-Auslandshilfe: A global answer to increasing violence and need in crisis regions

global problem: violence against people is increasing worldwide

In many countries worldwide, there is an alarming increase of violence against the population. Whether in Ukraine, Gaza, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Mozambique, Myanmar, South Sudan or Syria - millions of people suffer from massive violence. This violence can be caused by wars, armed conflicts or the increase in sexual and domestic violence.

Some regions such as Ukraine or Gaza are particularly affected. The people in Ukraine have been living under daily attacks for two and a half years and have already lost their relatives, their houses, their jobs, their schools and kindergartens. Gaza, on the other hand, is now almost completely destroyed and the entire population suffers from the effects of the conflict. However, a solution for both conflicts is not in sight.

The employees of Johanniter-Auslandshilfe and their partner organizations experience up close what influence this violence has on people. In many of the countries concerned, violence has been a reality for decades. However, the war of aggression in Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East have meant that violence is now perceived as normality and often ignored. Even facilities such as hospitals and schools that should actually be protected by the Geneva conventions are regularly attacked and destroyed. Whole population groups are brutally persecuted without a broad outcry.

Help for those affected: emergency aid and psychological support

In response to increasing violence, the Johanniter are offering emergency medical care in more and more regions. In countries such as the South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo, they use mobile clinics to enable displaced persons or remote villages. In Gaza, mobile teams of partner organizations work in emergency accommodation or field hospitals to ensure primary care. In addition, the focus is on mental health to help people coping with their trauma. Gender -specific violence is combated in women's shelters in Ukraine or Ecuador, for example.

Overall, three quarters of the worldwide Johanniter-Auslandshilfe projects focus on medical care and various emergency aid measures for people in crisis and disaster regions.

successes and challenges of Johanniter-Auslandshilfe

In 2023, Johanniter-Auslandshilfe with over 330 employees was active in 23 countries both at home and abroad. Together with 53 national partner organizations, 74 projects were implemented in the areas of health, emergency and immediate aid, securing livelihood and capacity strengthening. Over two million people benefited from the activities of Johanniter-Auslandshilfe last year. Most of the almost 38 million euros in sales were used in Africa and Asia. More than half of the budget of foreign aid came from donations to the Johanniter and Action Germany.

Johanniter-Auslandshilfe is aware of the importance of its work and is ready to support people in crisis areas with aid measures and support. So if you witness to violence, conflicts or disasters, do not hesitate to help the John and other aid organizations with your donation.

Note to the editorial offices: If you have any further questions or for interviews, please do not hesitate to contact employees of the Johanniter-Auslandshilfe. Please contact the press office for more information. You can find the full annual report online.