The Hungary Helps Agency is proud to share the highlights from the recent Joint Meeting of CODEV-PI and COHAFA Working Parties held held in Budapest between 18-19 June 2024.
Our Director General, Péter Kovács, presented our comprehensive approach to humanitarian and international development efforts, emphasizing our commitment to building resilience in fragile environments.
Who We Are & How We Work
The Hungary Helps Program is the cornerstone of Hungary's humanitarian and international development initiatives. As the implementing body, the Hungary Helps Agency manages grants and directly executes projects under this framework. We are an accredited Member State Specialized Agency at DG ECHO and are nearing the completion of our pillar assessment audit.
Our mission is to provide support in fragile environments where resilience building is crucial. Examples include our ongoing projects in Chad and Syria, where we address the needs arising from protracted crises. These crises often become forgotten, yet the suffering continues, and our presence ensures that aid reaches those who need it most.
Collaborations and Rapid Response
Our work involves a variety of partners, selected based on the project and country-specific needs. Whenever possible, we choose local actors or organizations with substantial experience in the target region. In situations requiring immediate response, such as natural disasters, we coordinate efforts and provide financial support for rescue missions. For instance, during last year’s earthquake in Turkey and Syria, we dispatched six rescue teams consisting of 169 staff members and 31 dogs. Hungary was the first EU country to provide medical support to Syria, showcasing our ability to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.
The Role of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)
Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) are essential partners in our work due to their inherent values of solidarity and societal impact. Their motivation to create positive change aligns with our mission, and they often serve as critical channels for aid, especially in regions with restrictive sanctions.In Syria, where international development activities face significant hurdles, FBOs allow us to support the local population without engaging with the regime. This approach ensures that our aid reaches the people most in need while adhering to international regulations.
Working in Fragile Environments: Our Why and How
Fragile environments present unique challenges, from failed states to regions where minority groups face persecution. Our interventions range from humanitarian aid to international development, tailored to the specific context of each region. We address the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus, understanding that stability is the foundation of peacebuilding. Recognizing this, we have expanded our legislative framework to include three pillars: Humanitarian Intervention, International Development Cooperation, and Stability Building. This holistic approach enables us to adapt our support to the evolving needs of fragile environments.
Our Global Reach
Our operations extend to various parts of the world facing instability and protracted crises. Beyond Chad and Syria, we have impactful projects in numerous regions. Our esteemed partner, Hungarian Interchurch Aid, complements our efforts with their work in Iraq, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan, among other countries.
Conclusion
The Hungary Helps Agency is dedicated to making a significant and lasting impact in fragile and politically constrained environments. Through strategic partnerships, swift responses, and a comprehensive approach, we continue to build resilience and support those in need.
Stay connected with us to learn more about our projects and how you can get involved in our mission to bring hope and stability to the world’s most vulnerable communities.
