Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna, PAH) is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Poland specializing in providing humanitarian aid and promoting development in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and poverty. The organization was founded on December 26, 1992, and since then has become a key player in the field of international and domestic humanitarian support.
In over 30 years of operation, PAH has provided assistance to over 17.8 million people in 52 countries around the world. The organization’s work covers a wide range of areas, from providing emergency assistance in crisis situations to long-term development and integration projects.
Geography of activities and areas of assistance
Currently, Polish Humanitarian Action implements ongoing programs in countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, Ukraine, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Syria. Particular attention is paid to regions affected by military conflicts and natural disasters. Since 2023, PAH has been actively providing assistance to victims of the earthquake in Syria, as well as emergency humanitarian support in the Gaza Strip.
Work within Poland
Since 1998, PAH has been implementing the Pajacyk social and educational program, aimed at supporting children and young people in Poland, regardless of their nationality. The program provides schoolchildren with meals and supports their development, helping them to overcome social and economic barriers.
In 2023, the national office of PAH Polska was established with the aim of expanding humanitarian and integration assistance within the country, especially for migrants and vulnerable groups. This area of work has become particularly relevant in light of new challenges related to migration flows and socio-economic changes.
Educational activities
An important part of PAH’s mission is global education. The organization conducts educational activities in schools, kindergartens, and libraries aimed at raising awareness of global issues, humanitarian values, and a culture of mutual assistance. These programs promote civic responsibility and support for international initiatives among young people.
Transparency and cooperation
PAH adheres to the principles of transparency and openness in its activities, cooperating with international organizations, government structures, and local communities to effectively achieve its goals. The organization actively engages volunteers and donors, seeking to unite society’s efforts in the fight against poverty and crises.
Key achievements of the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH)
- Large-scale assistance in more than 50 countries around the world. Since its inception, PAH has provided assistance to over 17.8 million people affected by wars, natural disasters, and poverty. The organization has worked in the most difficult conditions, including hot spots in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
- Support for Ukraine since 2014. PAH actively provides assistance to those affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine, providing medical services, psychological support, and humanitarian aid. With the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, assistance was significantly expanded.
- The Pajacyk program in Poland. Since 1998, this social initiative has been helping to provide food for children from disadvantaged families and supporting their educational needs. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of Polish children have received assistance through the program.
- Response to the earthquake in Syria and Turkey in 2023. PAH quickly mobilized resources to provide emergency assistance to those affected, including supplies of medicines, food, and basic necessities.
- Integration support for migrants and refugees in Poland. Since 2023, PAH Polska’s national office has been actively developing projects aimed at the social adaptation and integration of vulnerable groups within the country.
- Development of global education. PAH successfully implements educational programs in schools and community centers, raising awareness of international humanitarian issues and fostering a culture of mutual aid among the younger generation.
- Transparency and efficiency. The organization regularly publishes reports on its activities and expenses, which strengthens the trust of donors and partners and allows for the optimization of aid.
