DKH

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe provides humanitarian aid worldwide. It supports people who have fallen victim of natural disasters, war and displacement and who are not able to cope on their own in the emergency situation they find themselves in. It is an effort to help people in great need – worldwide, regardless of their colour, religion and nationality.

One of the most important principles of its work is impartiality and independence. Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe painstakingly observes its aim not to become an instrument for political, economic or military interests. Particularly in conflict areas it attaches great value to asserting its independence from all parties involved.

The nature and scope of the assistance are adjusted to the situation in the disaster zone within the framework of available possibilities. Aid measures are designed to suit the local conditions and are integrated in the economic, social and political context of a specific country or region. They are adjusted to respond to the needs and the situation of the victims, respect the dignity of the people, and protect valid laws and traditions. Aid commodities are deployed according to need and correspond to local standards. They are purchased locally so far as it is possible and useful.

In its activities Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe is committed to the basic principles of humanitarian aid as laid down in the Code of Conduct of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and of non-governmental aid organisations in the context of emergency assistance.