About Caritas

Caritas Australia, as the Catholic Church's agency for international aid and development, gives expression to the Gospel imperative to pursue justice and to help those suffering from poverty and disadvantage. The work of Caritas Australia is reflective of the life of Jesus Christ and shaped by the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching principles, in particular:

• Preferential Option for the Poor
• Human Dignity
• Solidarity
• Subsidiarity
• Stewardship of the Earth’s Resources

Caritas Australia belongs to the international network Caritas Internationalis which is one of the largest aid and development agencies in the world. It comprises a network of 162 Catholic relief aid, development and social service organisations working to build a better world in over 200 countries and territories.

Caritas Australia is committed to delivering aid and development in a highly efficient and cost effective manner focusing on sustainability by working with local partners who are best placed to identify their own community’s needs and problems. Caritas works to help people help themselves regardless of race, political beliefs, gender or religion and recognises the structural nature of poverty and the need to challenge these structures. We support programs for human development and self-reliance including improving health, overcoming illiteracy, reducing environmental damage, conserving cultural identity and providing training for better agricultural practices.

Caritas Australia has education and advocacy programs within Australia, working to help Australians become aware of the causes of injustice and poverty and encouraging people to take action.