About us

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.

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.

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe is part of the Evangelisches Werk für Diakonie und Entwicklung e. V., the Social Service Agency of the German Protestant Church – one of the biggest welfare institutions in Germany – , with its headquarter in Berlin.

It currently maintains three permanent regional offices in Africa and Latin America which are responsible for the coordination of aid programmes in the respective regions. If the need arises temporary project or field offices are set up in crisis areas and entrusted with operative assignments. In certain cases – and for a limited time – specialised consultants are recruited for specific projects.

For an effective performance Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe closely cooperates with local partners. It is also a member of ACT (Action by Churches Together), the global alliance of churches and aid agencies in the area of humanitarian aid.

The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department funds relief operations for victims of natural disasters and conflicts outside the European Union. Aid is channelled impartially, straight to victims, regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation. In the area of humanitarian aid, the Commission works with 200 operational partners, including specialised United Nations agencies and non-govermental organisations (NGOs). The European Commission is one of the biggest sources of humanitarian aid in the world.