Caritas Asia has successfully hosted a pivotal capacity-building workshop on communication protocols and advocacy strategies for the C-AMBIT program, aimed at enhancing the Church’s engagement in humanitarian efforts across Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Thailand. This initiative is designed to strengthen ecumenical engagement and address the needs of conflict-affected populations. It enables the Church to help the conflict-affected people of concern cope with emergency situations, build resilience and prepare themselves for a safer stay within Myanmar and country outside and safer and dignified return and or rehabilitation.

The two-day training session, held on October 9 and 10, gathered nine participants from the four countries in a hybrid format. The workshop commenced with an opening address by Mr. Ari Nugroho, Program Officer at Caritas Asia, who outlined the agenda and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in responding to humanitarian crises.

During the workshop, focal point persons from each country shared insights into their respective contexts, highlighting the challenges faced by crisis-affected communities. This exchange of information underscored the urgent need for effective communication and advocacy strategies to support those in need.

Throughout the workshop, participants conducted a thorough analysis of the C-AMBIT program’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats regarding communication protocols and advocacy strategies. They established clear objectives to guide their communication efforts, ensuring that messages resonate with target audiences. Additionally, essential messages were finalized for inclusion in communication protocols to maintain consistency and clarity across all communications.

One of the critical outcomes of the workshop was the development of terminology guidelines to ensure sensitivity and accuracy in documentation and publications. Participants also revisited baseline survey findings to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. A framework for establishing a complaint handling mechanism at the organizational level was discussed to enhance accountability and responsiveness.

Caritas India, as an active member of this consortium, plays a vital role in these efforts. By participating in this capacity-building initiative, Caritas India is committed to enhancing its support capabilities and ensuring that marginalized communities receive the support they need during emergencies. The organization recognizes that collaboration with local governments and civil society actors is essential for effective humanitarian response.

This training not only strengthens the capacity of Caritas partners but also reinforces their collective mission to provide protection and assistance to vulnerable populations across the region. Through these initiatives, Caritas Asia continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering resilience among conflict-affected communities while maintaining a respectful partnership with governmental bodies.

As Caritas Asia moves forward with its mission, it remains focused on empowering local actors and ensuring that all voices are heard in the pursuit of dignity and safety for those most in need.