There has been a change in the forms of conflict: they are less often between states and more often between groups within national borders. Deadly attacks are rising dramatically in some regions, while the use of gender-based violence as a weapon is spreading like an epidemic around the world. The long-term social impact of interpersonal violence, including violence against children, is increasingly recognised. Unresolved regional tensions, absent or corrupt state institutions and a lack of resources exacerbated by climate change have become the dominant causes of conflict.
In addition to humanitarian principles and the Hungarian national interest, the Hungary Helps Program is also guided by the universal protection of human dignity and human rights to help vulnerable communities around the world. The principles of Hungary's international assistance seek to address the longstanding and contemporary challenges faced by victims of violent conflict around the world. This humanitarian aid model is characterised by rapid, direct and localised assistance, with a targeted aid policy adapted to the local needs and requirements of the beneficiary communities. The projects implemented by the Hungary Helps Program and its local partners respect the humanitarian principles (humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence) defined by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and directly contribute to the achievement of thirteen of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations.
In areas affected by armed conflict, particularly in the Middle East, post-conflict reconstruction is a priority for assistance. Wars and protracted conflicts destroy or even ruin the built heritage as well as residential areas, increasing the overall insecurity of local communities and populations. Therefore, the Hungary Helps Program focuses on the reconstruction of housing, livelihoods and religious infrastructure, public facilities (e.g. hospitals, schools) and cultural heritage buildings. Reconstruction helps to strengthen identity and local communities and contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage.
In response to the multiple challenges posed by violent conflicts in Africa, as in the Middle East, the Hungary Helps Program supports complex projects with a holistic approach. Our priority in Africa is the Sahel region, including Chad, one of the last remaining bastions of stability in the region. Rather than post-conflict reconstruction, the focus here is on prevention, social cohesion and conflict avoidance, mainly through training, education, livelihood programmes for youth and the development of the necessary infrastructure.
