The Salvation Army is assisting communities in Nepal devastated by glacial collapse, floods, and landslides. Staff are assessing needs in isolated areas, though some regions remain inaccessible. In India, the organization continues its faith-rooted work in education, elderly support, and anti-trafficking efforts. Additionally, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle began a visit to the India Eastern Territory on January 30. The group says these actions address both immediate disaster relief and long-term social challenges in the region.
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The Salvation Army is responding to multiple crises across its Caribbean territory. In Haiti, families in Port-au-Prince neighborhoods fled gang attacks by the 'Viv Ansanm' coalition. The organization also supports displaced persons there while raising human rights concerns at the UN Human Rights Council regarding Haiti, Uganda, and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the group is assessing damage and planning aid for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa and Hurricane Beryl. Leadership changes were also noted in the territory's administration.
The Salvation Army called for stronger protection for displaced women and children in Haiti during a session at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Markus Hofer, the organization’s UN representative in Geneva, highlighted that over 1.5 million people are displaced and face severe risks from armed violence and sexual abuse. He urged the international community to improve humanitarian access and support survivor-centered services. UN expert William G. O’Neill responded by noting the critical shortage of safe centers for children linked to armed groups, stating that Haiti currently has only one facility with limited capacity. The intervention aligns with recent advocacy efforts submitted for Haiti’s Universal Periodic Review.
The Salvation Army in Nepal is providing emergency relief and preparing for long-term recovery after a glacial collapse triggered catastrophic floods and landslides. The disaster affected over 84,000 people, including 32,000 children, and resulted in more than 1,400 deaths with thousands still missing. Major Lalsangpuii, the Officer in Charge, reported that communities along river corridors were devastated without warning. Survivors, such as a schoolteacher, have lost homes and possessions. Many displaced families are temporarily relocated in the capital, facing uncertainty as schools and infrastructure remain destroyed.
The Salvation Army is providing emergency aid across multiple countries following recent natural disasters. In Nepal, teams support communities affected by glacial collapses and floods. Myanmar receives resources after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. South Korea gets meals and hygiene kits due to record rainfall. Venezuela faces recovery efforts after major earthquakes in June. In the USA, Central Texas flood victims receive meals and spiritual care. Additionally, the organization launched a new podcast and welcomed new international leaders. These actions highlight the group's global humanitarian response to crises in Nepal, Myanmar, South Korea, Venezuela, and the United States.
The Salvation Army has released an international position statement declaring its deep commitment to combating modern slavery and human trafficking. The organization defines modern slavery as an umbrella term covering sex trafficking, forced labor, child labor, and forced marriage. The statement emphasizes that addressing these crimes requires tackling both supply and demand while restoring the dignity of victims. The Salvation Army cites biblical principles to argue that all people have inherent value. It calls for legal mechanisms to hold traffickers accountable and urges individuals and institutions to work toward the liberation of those subjected to exploitation. The group notes that millions are affected globally, with vulnerable groups like refugees and children being at highest risk.
Three months after powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24, The Salvation Army International shares updates from survivors and responders. The outlet highlights stories from Kety Arcaya, who survived a building collapse, and Captains Manuel Párraga and Eduardo Terán, who serve in La Guaira. They describe the devastation, the grief of losing community members, and the resilience of those rebuilding. The group emphasizes the ongoing need for support to help families recover from the disaster and encourages global audiences to continue aiding the affected communities in Venezuela.
The Salvation Army co-signed a statement on human trafficking presented on September 11, 2026, to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Delivered by Dr. Janet Epp Buckingham of the World Evangelical Alliance, the address highlighted the gap between existing laws and victims' access to protection. The group emphasized the need for stronger connections between community organizations and formal protection systems. This advocacy aims to ensure victims receive established rights and remedies. The initiative builds on previous collaborations between the Salvation Army and the World Evangelical Alliance regarding human rights issues.
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The Salvation Army International has launched a course focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects. The training targets individuals designing or implementing facilities at schools or healthcare centers. The organization notes that adequate WASH could have prevented 1.9 million deaths globally in 2016. The curriculum aims to reduce diarrhoeal disease and improve dignity through an integrated approach. While the full course is recommended, individual modules are available for specific knowledge enhancement. This initiative seeks to expand programmatic opportunities within the Salvation Army context to address critical health needs worldwide.
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On September 11, 2026, The Salvation Army addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Markus Hofer, the organization’s UN representative, presented an oral statement advocating for the human rights of older individuals with cognitive impairment. The group emphasized that cognitive decline does not diminish personhood or the right to participate in life decisions. Drawing on global care programs, they called for dementia-inclusive communities and caregiver education. The Independent Expert agreed, stressing that governments must ensure these individuals remain visible and respected in society, rather than relying solely on families or professionals for support.
The Salvation Army in the United States is coordinating emergency relief efforts following severe flooding in Kentucky and Texas. In Central and Southern Kentucky, the organization is working with local authorities after torrential thunderstorms caused catastrophic flash flooding. Simultaneously, Emergency Disaster Services teams are providing meals, drinks, and spiritual care to communities in Central Texas affected by the Guadalupe River's devastation. The group states it assists millions across the country through nearly 7,600 centers. Additionally, international leaders recently encouraged delegates at a Bible Conference in North Carolina to be 'Kingdom influencers.'
The Salvation Army's USA Western Territory is providing aid to evacuees and emergency responders in California following deadly wildfires. The organization operates across multiple western US states and territories, offering family services, disaster response, and rehabilitation. Leadership includes Commissioner James Betts and Territorial Commander Sue-Ellen Betts. The territory also highlights personal stories, such as the Seruyange family finding refuge in San Bernardino after fleeing Uganda, and James overcoming addiction to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. These efforts demonstrate the group's ongoing commitment to community support and emergency relief in the region.
The Salvation Army is actively participating in the global observance of Creation Sunday, a day dedicated to celebrating God's creation and environmental stewardship. Major Heather Poxon represented the organization at ecumenical discussions in Assisi, Italy, in May 2025, contributing to the development of worship materials alongside other Christian groups. General Lyndon Buckingham recently joined an international webinar to promote the event, which is scheduled for April 2026. The General encouraged congregations to adopt the celebration annually, viewing it as an opportunity to honor the second doctrine of The Salvation Army regarding God as Creator. Resources for the observance are available through the Feast of Creation website.
The Salvation Army is assessing needs in remote areas of Nepal following severe weather that destroyed roads and isolated villages. General Lyndon Buckingham called for prayer last week. Despite difficult access, personnel reached isolated communities by helicopter to distribute essential supplies like rice and blankets. The organization is coordinating with local social welfare authorities and awaiting funds from the central bank to prepare for wider relief distribution once approval is secured. This effort aims to support those cut off from aid due to infrastructure damage caused by the recent storms.
A senior leader of The Salvation Army expressed sorrow following a catastrophic ice avalanche and flooding in a region of Nepal and a district in China. As of late August 2026, nearly 500 people have died and over 1,000 remain missing. The organization is coordinating with local authorities to provide immediate food and household items to vulnerable survivors. Rapid-response assessments are underway to identify needs and distribute emergency supplies. The group also called on global citizens to pray for victims, families, and rescue teams amid the widespread destruction.
The Salvation Army International introduced several humanitarian workers for World Humanitarian Day 2026. Sithembile Ngcobo serves across Southern Africa, addressing climate disasters and development challenges. Irena Kraievska coordinates emergency aid in Kyiv, Ukraine, providing essential supplies and listening support. Captain Benjamin Omugah delivers assistance in Kisumu, Kenya, responding to droughts and floods. Noelia Pintos manages projects in Chile and neighboring countries, focusing on wildfire recovery. George William works in Pakistan, ensuring community-led responses. Captain Leo Siwi handles disaster assessments in Indonesia. The organization emphasizes serving all people regardless of faith during global crises.
Two patients died at a Salvation Army clinic in the Democratic Republic of Congo after exhibiting Ebola symptoms. Although isolated and awaiting transfer by a specialist team coordinated by the Ministry of Health, they passed away before transport could occur. This incident highlights the intensifying regional outbreak, with nearly 5,000 confirmed cases and over 2,300 deaths recorded across Central Africa. The Salvation Army continues to support health authorities by distributing protective equipment and promoting hygiene awareness in communities, churches, and schools to prevent further spread of the disease.
The Salvation Army is expanding its efforts to combat the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization provides health education, hygiene programs, and medical equipment to assist local response initiatives. This support follows reports of deaths at a Salvation Army facility in a major city, where patients presented with Ebola symptoms. The agency also commemorated its 90th anniversary in the region this October. Leadership includes the Territorial Commander and other officials managing the mission's health and community development work in the country.
The Salvation Army's international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, recently visited Ecuador and Peru to attend divisional congresses. In Ecuador, the visit marked the first time a serving General has been welcomed since 1995. The event celebrated 41 years of ministry, the opening of a new corps in Cuenca, and new soldier enrollments. In Peru, Salvationists gathered for the division's 116th anniversary. The congress featured worship, teaching, and a musical honoring missionary Eduardo Palací. Leaders encouraged young people to engage in mission work. The visits highlighted spiritual renewal and continued growth in both nations.
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