In the years 2014–2015, the world was facing one of the largest humanitarian crises of modern times. The armed conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, gradually escalated into a devastating war affecting millions of civilians. People were forced to leave their homes often overnight, without basic resources, without security, and without certainty about the future. Among the most vulnerable were pregnant women, mothers with young children, and unaccompanied children fleeing violence, hunger, and instability.

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During this period, tens of thousands of refugees traveled along the Balkan route toward Europe. Many of them, however, became stranded at the borders of countries such as Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia. The conditions in which they were forced to live were extremely harsh—lack of clean drinking water, food, hygiene, medical care, and even the most basic human dignity was part of their daily reality.

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The situation in the Czech Republic was also complex. Refugees rarely found immediate and accessible support and often faced not only administrative barriers but also uncertainty and a lack of understanding. As a result, many did not continue further inland and instead remained in border areas, where their situation was often most critical.

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In response to these circumstances, Karuṇā Sevena decided to actively engage in providing assistance through the project “People to People.” Thanks to the financial support of donors, it was possible to distribute essential supplies directly in the field. Czech volunteers operated at the borders in Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia, and partly within the Czech Republic, helping those who found themselves in extreme need.

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The aid focused primarily on the most vulnerable—pregnant women, mothers with young children, and unaccompanied children. Basic food supplies, drinking water, medicines, hygiene items, and clothing were distributed. Volunteers also helped reunite families—assisting children who had become separated from their parents, as well as parents desperately searching for their children.

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An integral part of the support was the provision of basic medical care. Pregnant women and mothers giving birth were among the most at-risk groups, often without any access to medical assistance. In such situations, timely and direct help was of crucial importance.

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At the same time, a 24-hour emergency helpline was established, allowing people to call for assistance in moments of extreme distress. This service helped bridge situations in which individuals found themselves completely disoriented and without support in an unfamiliar environment.

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This assistance was not only material. It was, above all, an expression of human solidarity, compassion, and the willingness to recognize the suffering of others regardless of borders, origin, or circumstance. At a time when the situation was often viewed through fear and uncertainty, direct help offered to specific individuals became a quiet yet profound expression of humanity.

We sincerely thank all those who contributed to this project—donors, volunteers, and everyone who was willing to help. Thanks to you, it was possible to ease, at least for a moment, the suffering of those who had lost almost everything.